Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold satire tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress presents an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to starring in a workout series on TV. Edged out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome process called the Substance. This produces a youthful duplicate named Sue, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit mystery stars Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from writing about world issues to join a luxury cruise with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional filthy rich passengers. But after an unknown lady goes overboard one night and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries through this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has rendered the local kids frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears the worst. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, though the lead actress achieves to depict the real-life figure with compassion. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars sported by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
