Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying procedure titled "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from covering world issues to join a luxury cruise with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this innovative supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical celebrity playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has rendered the children frightened. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, however the lead actress achieves to show the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks used by the actor's British agent. He is tasked to identify a mole within their ranks from five suspects – including is his spouse. The two stars are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
