Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold satire tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress presents an inspired performance as Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying process known as this experimental method. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from writing about international wars to board a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other affluent guests. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has rendered the local kids frightened. After Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor plays the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet the lead actress manages to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release by the same director delivers a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – including is his own wife. Both actors are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
