Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching critique addresses the tyranny of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into hosting a fitness program on TV. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome procedure known as "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from reporting on international wars to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich guests. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities in this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has made the youth frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about capitalizing on the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks used by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a traitor among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
