Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the tyranny of women's appearance and the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress offers a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into presenting a workout series on TV. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying process known as the Substance. This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection between them. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from writing about international wars to embark on an opulent ship with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional affluent guests. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this clever supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has rendered the youth frightened. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals commence profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though Chastain achieves to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry by the same director delivers a spy mystery as sharp similar to the collars used by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a traitor among the team from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
