Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching critique tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress presents a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into hosting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome treatment titled "The Substance". This generates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from covering world issues to board an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other affluent guests. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities through this innovative supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has made the local kids anxious. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to show the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from the filmmaker presents a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks used by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a mole within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
