Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into starring in a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome procedure titled this experimental method. This produces a younger clone called Sue, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from reporting on international wars to board a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, and other filthy rich passengers. However when an unknown lady goes overboard one night and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities through this clever supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a celebration in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has rendered the youth frightened. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as sharp similar to the collars sported by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor among the team from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
