Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique examines the oppressive nature of female beauty and the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore offers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome process called the Substance. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from reporting on global conflict to join a high-end voyage with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, and other extremely wealthy passengers. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this innovative supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has rendered the youth frightened. After Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. But the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, however Chastain achieves to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars sported by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – including is his own wife. Both actors are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
