Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity reduced to presenting an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying process titled this experimental method. This generates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller features the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from writing about international wars to board an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other filthy rich individuals. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities with this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, his unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the local kids anxious. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet Chastain manages to depict the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a mole inside the organization from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
