Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance and the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying procedure known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story features Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from covering world issues to join an opulent ship with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, and other affluent passengers. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has left the youth frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. However, the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's additional entry from the filmmaker is a espionage tale as sharp similar to the collars sported by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie develops. Additional actors take part the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, the Sky channel
