Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the tyranny of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying process titled "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery features Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from reporting on world issues to board an opulent ship with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this innovative supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has left the local kids anxious. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he dreads the worst. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though the lead actress achieves to depict Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering by the same director is a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
