Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into presenting a fitness program on television. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome treatment known as this experimental method. This creates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from writing about global conflict to board an opulent ship with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other affluent guests. However when a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has left the children frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he fears a fatal end. But the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals commence monetising the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain manages to depict the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars used by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a mole among the team from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
