Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress offers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome procedure known as this experimental method. This generates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery stars the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from writing about international wars to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy individuals. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries through this nifty supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has rendered the youth anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor plays the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to present the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's another release from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks used by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
