Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress offers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying treatment titled this experimental method. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between them. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from reporting on international wars to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional affluent guests. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries through this clever ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has made the local kids anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, however the lead actress succeeds to depict the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor among the team from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
