Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to starring in an aerobics show on television. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying treatment titled this experimental method. This creates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from reporting on international wars to embark on an opulent ship with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills through this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has left the children on edge. When Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though the lead actress manages to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
