Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary addresses the tyranny of women's appearance and the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into hosting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and terrifying process known as this experimental method. This generates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller features Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from writing about world issues to board a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other affluent individuals. But after an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this innovative supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the children on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. However, the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however the lead actress succeeds to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Both actors are experts of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
