Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's bold critique addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to hosting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying process known as the Substance. This generates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from writing about international wars to join a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills with this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has made the local kids frightened. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain succeeds to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – including is his own wife. Both actors are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
