Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring satire examines the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to hosting a workout series on television. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying process titled this experimental method. This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from writing about international wars to embark on a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills in this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic film star playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the local kids on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears the worst. Yet the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, though the lead actress manages to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as precise similar to the collars worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
