Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire examines the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to presenting a workout series on television. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome procedure called this experimental method. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story stars Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from writing about international wars to embark on an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, and other affluent guests. But after an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities through this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has rendered the local kids anxious. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he fears the worst. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who states at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain manages to depict the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a mole within their ranks from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
