Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's unflinching critique tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to presenting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome process called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from writing about world issues to board an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, plus additional affluent guests. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has rendered the youth on edge. After Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a basement, he fears the worst. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however the lead actress succeeds to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
