Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's bold commentary tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into starring in a workout series on television. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome procedure known as the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from reporting on world issues to embark on an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, and other filthy rich passengers. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities with this clever ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has rendered the children frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's second offering by the same director delivers a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – including is his spouse. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
