Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's daring critique examines the tyranny of women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to starring in a fitness program on television. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome procedure called "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story stars Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from covering global conflict to join an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries in this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the children frightened. After Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet the lead actress succeeds to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering by the same director is a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars used by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
