Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying procedure known as the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery stars the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from covering international wars to board a high-end voyage with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, and other extremely wealthy individuals. But after an unknown lady goes overboard one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills with this nifty supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the children on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple commence capitalizing on the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain achieves to present Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
