Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary tackles the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress offers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to hosting an aerobics show on television. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome treatment titled "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery features the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a hiatus from reporting on world issues to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, and other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this clever supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the local kids on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, though the lead actress achieves to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
