Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold commentary addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into hosting a workout series on TV. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying treatment known as the Substance. This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller includes the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from writing about international wars to join an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, and other extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries through this clever ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has left the youth frightened. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. However, the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple commence profiting from the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet the lead actress manages to show the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's another release from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as sharp similar to the collars used by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his own wife. The two stars excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
