Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold commentary examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress presents a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity reduced to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside due to her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying process titled "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a progressively toxic connection between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller features Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from reporting on global conflict to board an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities through this nifty supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical film star playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has rendered the children anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin profiting from the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to depict Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks used by the actor's British agent. He is tasked to discover a double agent among the team from a group of five – among them is his own wife. Both actors are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
