Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress offers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome procedure titled this experimental method. This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story features Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from covering international wars to join an opulent ship with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other filthy rich passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has left the youth anxious. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Chastain achieves to depict the character in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's second offering by the same director presents a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars used by the actor's British agent. He is tasked to discover a mole inside the organization from five suspects – among them is his own wife. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
