Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress offers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into starring in a fitness program on TV. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying procedure known as this experimental method. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from writing about world issues to join a luxury cruise with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other affluent passengers. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities through this innovative supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has left the children frightened. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Chastain manages to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
