Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring commentary tackles the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome procedure called the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from covering world issues to board an opulent ship with an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, plus additional affluent passengers. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities in this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has rendered the children on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain achieves to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars worn by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
