Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold satire examines the oppressive nature of female beauty and the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying procedure titled the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story features the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from writing about global conflict to embark on an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills with this clever supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a sequel. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has made the local kids on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. But the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, though Chastain achieves to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering by the same director presents a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. The two stars are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
