Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's unflinching satire examines the demanding standards for female beauty along with the feared consequences of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome procedure known as the Substance. This generates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a steadily more toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from reporting on world issues to board a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, and other filthy rich guests. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity take over. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this nifty supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the local kids frightened. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. Yet the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet the lead actress achieves to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks sported by the actor's British agent. His assignment is to identify a double agent among the team from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
