Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique tackles the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress presents a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying treatment called the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from covering international wars to board an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this clever supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has left the youth frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates the worst. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence monetising the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress achieves to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's additional entry by the same director delivers a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors excel of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
