Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into presenting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying process known as the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from covering global conflict to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. However when an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries through this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the local kids anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor plays the venal Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet the lead actress manages to present the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a mole inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
