This is an archive article published on November 1, 2024
What to watch on OTT: Cannes’ winner The Substance, a provocative body horror movie & the story America’s first self-made female billionaire in Martha
Streaming this week The Law According to Lidia Poët, an Italian mystery-thriller based on the country’s first woman to practice law, and 'Music by John Williams', whose scores are an essential part of some of the most beloved Hollywood movies.
One of the most talked about movies of this year — Coralie Fargeat’s body horror satire on ageing, The Substance — is now streaming on MUBI. The Substance, which is written, directed, co-produced and co-edited by Fargeat (Revenge), features Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle, a former A-lister past her prime and suddenly fired from her fitness TV show by repellent studio head Harvey (Dennis Quaid). She is then drawn to the opportunity presented by a mysterious new drug: The Substance. All it takes is one injection and she is reborn – temporarily – as the gorgeous, 20-something Sue (Margaret Qualley). The only rule? Time needs to be split: exactly one week in one body, then one week in the other. No exceptions. A perfect balance. Fargeat’s Cannes award-winning sensation turns toxic beauty culture inside out with a be-careful-what-you-wish-for fable for the ages.
The Law According to Lidia Poet Netflix
The series follows a suspended lawyer named Lidia Poët (Matilda De Angelis), who, along with her establishment brother Enrico and crew of like-minded malcontents, seeks to help the desperate and falsely accused who struggle for absolution in a rigid, patriarchal legal system. Each episode explores a new mystery and takes place in the baroque grandeur of 1880s Turin. Poët’s story unpacks the fight for gender equality at a time when it didn’t exist.
Lidia Poët was, in real life, Italy’s first ever woman attorney. Two years after graduating from the University of Turin’s law school in 1881, she was admitted to Italy’s bar. Poët practiced law for three months before being disbarred at the instance of the monarchy’s attorney general, who claimed that women had no place in a courtroom. In 1920, at the age of 65, Poët was readmitted to the bar.
Mithya – The Darker Chapter Zee5
‘Mithya – The Darker Chapter’ takes the viewers back into the intense psychological drama between half-sisters Juhi and Rhea. As Juhi basks in the success of her book ‘Dhund’, her world is suddenly shaken by plagiarism accusations from a mysterious writer, Amit Chaudhary (played by Naveen Kasturia). Meanwhile, Rhea is still scheming and plotting to win her father’s love. However, it remains to be seen if her quest for love and acceptance will turn into a battle of revenge and manipulation. The series explores ‘blood versus blood’ as family ties are tested, with both women resorting to dirty games of lies and deceit. the tables turn, and each sister metaphorically becomes the other. Additionally, the introduction of Amit’s character adds complexity and drama to the lives of the two sisters.
Music by John Williams Disney+Hotstar
The documentary focuses on the life and career of John Towner Williams, an American composer and conductor. In a career that has spanned seven decades, he has composed some of the most popular and critically acclaimed film scores for movies such as Jaws (1975), E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial (1982), the Indiana Jones franchise (1981–2023), Jurassic Park (1993), Saving Private Ryan (1998), Lincoln (2012) and The Fabelmans (2022). “See and hear maestro John Williams’ own story, with insights from filmmakers, musicians, and others he has inspired, complete with rare behind-the-scenes looks at the making of movie history,” said the media statement.
Martha Netflix
RJ Cutler’s film charts the rise of lifestyle mogul Martha Stewart. A celebrated homemaker, America’s first self-made female billionaire, close personal friend to Snoop Dogg, or even the queen of Instagram selfies — Stewart for more than 50 years has shaped America’s culture in both big and small ways. “So, to borrow her own phrase, it’s a good thing the new documentary –– simply titled Martha –– covers the breadth of her extraordinary life through intimate interviews with Stewart herself, who opened up her personal archives to share never-before-seen photos, letters, and diary entries,” reveals the Netflix website.
Alaka Sahani is a prominent film critic and journalist based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as one of India’s most authoritative voices in cinematic journalism, known for an analytical approach and insights that transcend the standard cycle of celebrity journalism.
Expertise & Accolades
In 2014, Alaka was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Her Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) citation specifically lauded her for "highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip" and for her ability to delve into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers. Her commitment to journalistic integrity was further recognised in 2019 with a Special Mention at the Red Ink Awards for her investigative feature, 'In Search of a Star'. Her article titled 'People Like Us', published in The Indian Express on March 27, 2022, was shortlisted for Red Ink Award, 2023.
Global Industry Leadership
Alaka’s expertise is sought after by major international and domestic film bodies:
Golden Globes: In 2025, she joined the international voting body for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes.
National Film Awards: She served on the prestigious jury for the 68th National Film Awards, helping select the finest contributions to Indian cinema.
Global Perspective: Her work consistently bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood A-listers and emerging independent talents, offering nuanced insights into both Indian regional cinema and international film trends.
Focus & Vision
Beyond the screen, Alaka is a dedicated observer of Mumbai’s vibrant theatre scene and the historical evolution of the moving image. Through her long-form articles and deep-dive interviews, she continues to challenge "tried-and-tested" templates, providing readers with a deep understanding of the artistic and systemic workings of the Indian and global film industry. ... Read More
