Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress presents a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome process titled the Substance. This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from writing about international wars to board an opulent ship with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this clever ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage fully commits to his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to visit a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has made the local kids frightened. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he dreads the worst. Yet the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
