Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying procedure titled the Substance. This produces a younger clone called Sue, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery includes Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from covering global conflict to board an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has left the children frightened. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. However, the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Chastain succeeds to depict the character in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – including is his own wife. Each performer are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
