Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching critique examines the oppressive nature of female beauty and the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress offers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying treatment called the Substance. This generates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller features the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from writing about global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional filthy rich individuals. However when an unknown lady goes overboard one night and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has rendered the local kids on edge. After Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. Yet the non-functional line in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple commence profiting from the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain achieves to depict the character in a likable light. October 14th, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
