Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance and the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into hosting a fitness program on television. Pushed out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying process known as the Substance. This generates a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller features Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from covering global conflict to join a high-end voyage alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy passengers. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities in this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has left the children on edge. After Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. However, the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – among them is his spouse. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
