Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into hosting an aerobics show on television. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying process called the Substance. This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery includes Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from covering global conflict to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, and other extremely wealthy individuals. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
The director's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Located in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has made the youth frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. But the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet Chastain succeeds to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry by the same director is a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – including is his own wife. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
