Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire examines the demanding standards for women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying process known as the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery includes the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from covering world issues to join a high-end voyage with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, and other affluent passengers. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills through this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has made the local kids on edge. When Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he fears the worst. But the non-functional line in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Chastain succeeds to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker is a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a mole within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
