Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the demanding standards for female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to presenting an aerobics show on television. Pushed out by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying process known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from writing about global conflict to board a high-end voyage alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich guests. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills with this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest holds up well even without a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the youth frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who states early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, yet Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars sported by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a traitor among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
