Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold satire addresses the tyranny of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress offers an inspired performance as Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Edged out by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying process called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story features Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from reporting on international wars to board a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other extremely wealthy individuals. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills in this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a sequel. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has rendered the local kids frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, on 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 film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin profiting from the people's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's British agent. He is tasked to discover a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie develops. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema