Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress offers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying treatment called the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from covering international wars to board a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities in this innovative supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror remains effective even without a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has left the local kids on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators offering help, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however the lead actress succeeds to show the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars sported by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
