Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique addresses the demanding standards for female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress presents a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into hosting a fitness program on TV. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful mystery includes Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from writing about international wars to board an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, and other filthy rich guests. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has rendered the children on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about monetising the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain manages to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a mole among the team from a group of five – among them is his own wife. Both actors excel of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
