Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into presenting a fitness program on TV. Edged out by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome treatment known as the Substance. This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from reporting on world issues to embark on an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional affluent individuals. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities with this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's locked-room horror stands strong even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has left the children anxious. When Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though the lead actress manages to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release by the same director is a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks sported by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a mole among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are experts of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
