Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the demanding standards for female beauty and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and horrifying process called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller includes Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from writing about international wars to board a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional affluent individuals. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a festive event in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective even without a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has made the children frightened. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however the lead actress succeeds to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a double agent among the team from five suspects – among them is his own wife. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
