Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the tyranny of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity reduced to presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying process called the Substance. This creates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to embark on an opulent ship with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich guests. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries through this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror remains effective even without a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has made the youth frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however the lead actress achieves to depict the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
