Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to presenting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying process known as the Substance. This generates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from writing about world issues to embark on a luxury cruise with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, plus additional filthy rich guests. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical celebrity playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
The director's contained scarefest remains effective even without a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the local kids on edge. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however the lead actress achieves to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. The two stars excel of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
