Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's daring critique tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to hosting a fitness program on television. Pushed out by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying procedure titled the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more toxic connection among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from reporting on international wars to board a luxury cruise with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional filthy rich guests. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities through this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has left the youth frightened. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. However, the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, though the lead actress manages to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a double agent inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
