Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching critique tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and horrifying procedure called this experimental method. This creates a younger clone named Sue, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from writing about global conflict to join a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other affluent passengers. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills in this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has made the children on edge. After Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. But the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though the lead actress manages to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This period's another release by the same director delivers a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole inside the organization from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
