Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress presents a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to starring in a workout series on TV. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome procedure called "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story features Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from writing about global conflict to join an opulent ship with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy guests. However when an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries through this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage embraces his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a celebration in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the youth anxious. After Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. But the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor plays the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however the lead actress manages to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
