Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress presents an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying treatment called this experimental method. This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from writing about global conflict to board a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, and other affluent passengers. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the youth anxious. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he fears the worst. Yet the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain manages to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors take part the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
