Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire examines the demanding standards for female beauty and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into hosting a workout series on TV. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome process called the Substance. This generates a younger clone called Sue, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story includes the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from reporting on world issues to board an opulent ship with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, and other affluent guests. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities with this clever supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage embraces his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the youth frightened. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about capitalizing on the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, however the lead actress succeeds to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as sharp similar to the collars worn by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
