Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to starring in a workout series on TV. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome treatment called "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from reporting on international wars to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this innovative supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's contained scarefest remains effective even without a continuation. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has left the children on edge. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though the lead actress succeeds to present Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – including is his spouse. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
