Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring satire addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress offers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome procedure called the Substance. This generates a younger clone named Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from covering global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, and other filthy rich guests. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has rendered the youth anxious. When Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he fears the worst. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however the lead actress achieves to show the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks worn by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a double agent inside the organization out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
