Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to hosting a fitness program on TV. Pushed out due to her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome process titled "The Substance". This generates a younger clone named Sue, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from covering global conflict to join a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, and other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries with this innovative supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has left the youth on edge. After Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. However, the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, however the lead actress manages to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – among them is his own wife. The two stars excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
