Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold satire examines the tyranny of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity reduced to starring in a fitness program on television. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying treatment called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery features Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from covering world issues to join an opulent ship alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, and other filthy rich passengers. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard one night and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has made the youth on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress achieves to depict the character with compassion. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry by the same director is a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
