Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold satire examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress offers a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into hosting a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying procedure known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit mystery features Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from writing about global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise with an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich passengers. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills in this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has made the youth on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence profiting from the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict the character in a likable light. October 14th, late night, Film4
Black Bag
This period's another release by the same director is a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are experts of understated style, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
