Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's bold satire addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into presenting a workout series on TV. Forced aside by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story stars Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from reporting on international wars to join an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich individuals. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries in this nifty supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the children frightened. Once Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however Chastain achieves to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry by the same director presents a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to identify a mole among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
