Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's unflinching satire tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into hosting a workout series on television. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story includes Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from writing about international wars to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, and other extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities through this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has rendered the children anxious. After Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a basement, he dreads the worst. But the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators offering help, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain manages to show the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering by the same director presents a spy mystery 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 – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are masters of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
