Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the demanding standards for female beauty and the dreaded aspects of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into starring in a workout series on TV. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying process called "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from writing about world issues to embark on a luxury cruise with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, plus additional affluent individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills with this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has left the youth frightened. When Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. But the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, however the lead actress achieves to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars used by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a mole among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
