Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique tackles the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to hosting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome process called "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from reporting on world issues to join a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, and other affluent passengers. However when an unknown lady goes overboard one night and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills with this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective even without a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has made the local kids anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he fears the worst. However, the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators offering help, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet the lead actress achieves to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks used by the actor's British agent. His assignment is to identify a mole among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars excel of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
