Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress presents a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying treatment called "The Substance". This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from writing about global conflict to board a luxury cruise alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, and other extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills in this clever supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has made the youth frightened. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. But the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, yet the lead actress succeeds to present the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a mole among the team out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
