Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress delivers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome process called "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery features Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from writing about global conflict to join an opulent ship with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, and other filthy rich passengers. But after an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the youth anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he fears the worst. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence monetising the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a mole among the team from a group of five – among them is his own wife. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
