Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful performance as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying treatment called "The Substance". This generates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from writing about global conflict to board a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other filthy rich passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries through this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the local kids frightened. Once Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story about the fallen televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet the lead actress manages to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
