Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique addresses the tyranny of female beauty along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to starring in an aerobics show on television. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and horrifying process called "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from reporting on world issues to join an opulent ship alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, plus additional affluent guests. However when an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries with this nifty supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has made the children frightened. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he fears a fatal end. But the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Chastain manages to present the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – including is his own wife. Both actors are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
