Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring critique addresses the demanding standards for female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore presents a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into presenting a fitness program on TV. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying treatment known as this experimental method. This generates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from writing about world issues to board a luxury cruise with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, as well as other filthy rich passengers. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries in this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has made the youth on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. But the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however the lead actress achieves to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release by the same director presents a espionage tale as precise similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
