Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring satire addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty and the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore delivers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to hosting a fitness program on TV. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying treatment titled this experimental method. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from writing about global conflict to join an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, and other affluent passengers. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this clever ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has made the local kids anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to show Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a traitor among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are experts of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
