Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire tackles the tyranny of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and horrifying treatment titled the Substance. This generates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from writing about global conflict to join an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional affluent passengers. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries through this nifty supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the youth anxious. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain manages to depict the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's additional entry by the same director presents a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a mole inside the organization from a group of five – including is his own wife. The two stars excel of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
