Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying procedure called "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery features Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from writing about global conflict to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other affluent individuals. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries with this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical film star playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has left the local kids on edge. When Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, Film4
Black Bag
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
