Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold commentary tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity reduced to starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome treatment called "The Substance". This generates a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from reporting on world issues to board a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, plus additional filthy rich guests. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries in this innovative supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has left the youth anxious. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about profiting from the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, yet Chastain succeeds to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – including is his own wife. Each performer are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
