Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary examines the tyranny of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress presents a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into presenting a fitness program on television. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying process called the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery includes the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from covering global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other affluent passengers. However when an enigmatic female falls into the sea one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills with this clever supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a sequel. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has rendered the local kids frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads the worst. However, the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as precise similar to the collars sported by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
