Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching satire addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress presents a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into starring in a workout series on TV. Edged out by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying process titled "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller stars the talented actress playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from writing about international wars to embark on a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other affluent passengers. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills through this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a sequel. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has made the youth anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet Chastain achieves to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry by the same director presents a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks sported by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. The two stars are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
