Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire examines the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to presenting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying procedure called the Substance. This produces a younger clone called Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from writing about international wars to board a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities in this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has made the youth on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, though Chastain achieves to show the real-life figure with compassion. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars excel of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
