Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome procedure called "The Substance". This produces a younger clone named Sue, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story stars the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from writing about international wars to embark on a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich passengers. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills with this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a festive event in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has rendered the local kids anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a basement, he dreads the worst. But the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, though the lead actress achieves to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema