Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress presents an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to starring in an aerobics show on television. Edged out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying treatment known as the Substance. This creates a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from writing about international wars to embark on a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror remains effective even without a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has rendered the local kids on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who states at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Chastain manages to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks worn by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a double agent inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
