Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's unflinching satire examines the tyranny of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to starring in a fitness program on television. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome procedure called "The Substance". This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful mystery stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from writing about world issues to join an opulent ship with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional affluent guests. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills in this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has made the children anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor plays the venal Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain manages to depict the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering by the same director is a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a double agent inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer are experts of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
