Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's daring critique examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller features the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from writing about world issues to embark on a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, and other filthy rich individuals. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities in this clever ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has left the local kids frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however the lead actress manages to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars used by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of understated style, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
