Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching critique examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to starring in a workout series on TV. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying procedure called this experimental method. This creates a younger clone named Sue, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story includes Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from covering international wars to embark on a high-end voyage with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, plus additional affluent guests. But after an unknown lady goes overboard one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this clever supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the children on edge. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet Chastain succeeds to show the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
