Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to presenting a fitness program on television. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying procedure called this experimental method. This creates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery includes Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from writing about global conflict to board a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other affluent individuals. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills in this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has rendered the youth on edge. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, yet Chastain manages to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering by the same director is a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a traitor among the team from five suspects – including is his spouse. The two stars excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
