Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to presenting a fitness program on TV. Pushed out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying treatment titled this experimental method. This generates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from reporting on international wars to board an opulent ship alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other filthy rich individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills through this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical film star playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has made the local kids anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though the lead actress manages to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to identify a double agent among the team from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
