Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's daring commentary addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying procedure called the Substance. This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from covering global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional affluent individuals. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities through this clever ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Located in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has left the local kids anxious. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however Chastain manages to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. The two stars excel of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
