Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold commentary examines the tyranny of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into presenting an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying process titled "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller stars Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from writing about world issues to board an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, and other affluent passengers. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this clever supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
The director's locked-room horror stands strong even without a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has made the youth frightened. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he fears the worst. But the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence profiting from the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though the lead actress achieves to present the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering by the same director presents a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, the Sky channel
