Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to presenting a workout series on TV. Pushed out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome procedure known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from reporting on world issues to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, plus additional filthy rich passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries with this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the children on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. But the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to show the real-life figure with compassion. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars used by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
