Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to presenting a workout series on TV. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying process known as the Substance. This generates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from covering world issues to join a luxury cruise alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, and other affluent passengers. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities through this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, his unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a sequel. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has rendered the children on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. Yet the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain manages to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
