Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold critique addresses the tyranny of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying process titled the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from writing about global conflict to join a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, and other filthy rich guests. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities in this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the local kids on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he anticipates the worst. But the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however the lead actress succeeds to present Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, late night, Film4
Black Bag
This period's additional entry by the same director delivers a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a mole inside the organization from five suspects – among them is his own wife. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
