Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold critique examines the tyranny of women's appearance and the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from reporting on world issues to board a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, as well as other filthy rich passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities with this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has made the local kids frightened. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however Chastain succeeds to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
