Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary examines the demanding standards for female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to starring in a workout series on television. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome treatment called "The Substance". This generates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from reporting on international wars to join a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities through this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the youth anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he fears the worst. Yet the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though the lead actress achieves to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – among them is his own wife. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
