Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold commentary addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore presents a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying treatment known as the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from reporting on world issues to join a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy passengers. However when an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this clever ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage embraces his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic film star playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has left the children on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin capitalizing on the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, however the lead actress achieves to depict the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's another release from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as precise similar to the collars used by the actor's British agent. He is tasked to discover a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
