Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching critique tackles the tyranny of women's appearance and the feared consequences of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery stars Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from writing about international wars to join an opulent ship with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, plus additional filthy rich passengers. However when an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries through this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has left the local kids anxious. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain manages to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a traitor among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful 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, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
