Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold satire addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to starring in a workout series on television. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying process titled "The Substance". This produces a younger clone called Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller includes Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from writing about world issues to board a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other affluent individuals. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities in this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the supernatural presence, 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. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has made the youth on edge. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads the worst. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however the lead actress achieves to present the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a traitor among the team from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
