Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching satire examines the demanding standards for female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into presenting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying procedure called the Substance. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from writing about world issues to board a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional affluent individuals. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills in this clever supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has left the children frightened. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain manages to depict Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent among the team from a group of five – including is his own wife. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
