Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to presenting a fitness program on TV. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome process called this experimental method. This generates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful mystery stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from covering global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage with an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, and other extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills with this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a festive event in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has made the youth on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. However, the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices providing assistance, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the people's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet Chastain manages to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars sported by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
