Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the tyranny of women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress presents a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to presenting an aerobics show on television. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying treatment called the Substance. This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful mystery stars Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from covering world issues to embark on an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, plus additional affluent guests. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities through this clever ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has made the local kids anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. However, the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain manages to depict the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks used by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. The two stars are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
