Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying treatment called "The Substance". This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story includes Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from reporting on international wars to embark on a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other affluent individuals. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, his unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest stands strong even without a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has made the youth frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Chastain manages to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars worn by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a mole among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
