Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring commentary examines the oppressive nature of female beauty and the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore offers a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying procedure titled "The Substance". This creates a younger clone called Sue, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller includes Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from covering global conflict to join a luxury cruise with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, plus additional filthy rich individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills through this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic film star playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has left the youth frightened. Once Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Chastain achieves to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's another release by the same director delivers a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks worn by the actor's British agent. His assignment is to discover a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
