Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary examines the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress presents a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to hosting a workout series on television. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome treatment known as the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly toxic connection among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from covering global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, and other filthy rich individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this nifty supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has rendered the youth frightened. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain manages to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks used by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
