Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore offers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome treatment titled the Substance. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller includes Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from covering world issues to join a luxury cruise with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other affluent guests. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has left the local kids frightened. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain achieves to present the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
