Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire tackles the demanding standards for female beauty and the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to starring in an aerobics show on television. Pushed out by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome procedure called "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful mystery includes Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from writing about world issues to embark on an opulent ship with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, as well as other affluent individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries with this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has rendered the local kids anxious. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Chastain achieves to show the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is with uncovering a mole within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
