Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into hosting an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying procedure titled "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to an increasingly toxic connection among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story stars Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from covering global conflict to board a high-end voyage alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, plus additional filthy rich guests. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries with this innovative supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has made the children anxious. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, however Chastain succeeds to depict the character in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
