Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress offers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome procedure called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller includes Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from reporting on world issues to join a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, as well as other filthy rich individuals. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the youth on edge. Once Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet the lead actress manages to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars sported by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole among the team out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
