Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to hosting a workout series on TV. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying procedure called the Substance. This produces a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful mystery includes Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from covering global conflict to board a luxury cruise with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, and other affluent individuals. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries in this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the children on edge. After Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet the lead actress achieves to show the real-life figure with compassion. October 14th, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's British agent. His assignment is to discover a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
