Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique tackles the tyranny of female beauty along with the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress offers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into hosting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome procedure known as the Substance. This creates a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a progressively toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story features Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from covering world issues to board a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional affluent passengers. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries through this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has rendered the children on edge. After Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in this director's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain manages to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering by the same director is a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
