Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching satire addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to starring in an aerobics show on television. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from writing about global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Available now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities with this clever supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the youth frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however Chastain achieves to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as sharp similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
