Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's bold satire examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to starring in a workout series on TV. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying treatment titled the Substance. This creates a younger clone called Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story features Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from writing about international wars to board a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. However when an unknown lady goes overboard one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has left the children anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, yet Chastain achieves to show the character with compassion. October 14th, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
