Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This generates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from reporting on world issues to join an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, and other extremely wealthy individuals. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Available now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills through this innovative supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's locked-room horror remains effective even without a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has made the children anxious. Once Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. But the disconnected phone on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain achieves to depict the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release by the same director is a espionage tale as precise similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
