Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold commentary tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress offers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to presenting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying process titled this experimental method. This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from reporting on international wars to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, and other affluent passengers. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has left the children frightened. When Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators offering help, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish true story about the fallen televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a mole inside the organization from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Both actors are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
