Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary addresses the demanding standards for female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into hosting an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller features Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from covering world issues to board an opulent ship with an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries with this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has left the youth on edge. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin monetising the people's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though the lead actress manages to present the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry by the same director delivers a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a mole among the team from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
