Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire examines the demanding standards for female beauty and the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity reduced to presenting an aerobics show on television. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome treatment called the Substance. This generates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story features the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from reporting on world issues to embark on an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other affluent individuals. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities with this innovative supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has rendered the youth anxious. After Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he fears the worst. Yet the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Chastain achieves to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
