Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to hosting a workout series on television. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome process known as "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from reporting on international wars to board an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich guests. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has left the local kids anxious. Once Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. But the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who states early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as precise similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. The two stars are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
