Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the demanding standards for female beauty along with the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying process called the Substance. This creates a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from covering world issues to embark on an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy individuals. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills with this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has rendered the local kids frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, however the lead actress achieves to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry by the same director presents a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
