Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary examines the demanding standards for female beauty and the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to starring in a fitness program on TV. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and gruesome treatment titled "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from reporting on global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional affluent individuals. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities through this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has rendered the youth frightened. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, however the lead actress achieves to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor among the team from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere