Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring satire tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to presenting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying treatment called this experimental method. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a steadily more toxic connection among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from covering world issues to board a luxury cruise with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, plus additional affluent individuals. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities with this clever ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the children anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
