Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the demanding standards for female beauty and the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome process titled the Substance. This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from reporting on international wars to board an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, plus additional affluent individuals. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries through this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest stands strong even without a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has rendered the children anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain achieves to show the character in a likable light. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering by the same director delivers a espionage tale as precise similar to the collars used by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
