Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress presents a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying process known as "The Substance". This produces a younger clone called Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story features the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from writing about world issues to embark on a luxury cruise with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional affluent passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries in this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has rendered the local kids anxious. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet the lead actress manages to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is with uncovering a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
