Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching satire tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress offers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to presenting a fitness program on television. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome treatment titled "The Substance". This generates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story features Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from covering international wars to join an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other affluent passengers. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries with this nifty supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has made the children frightened. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears the worst. But the disconnected phone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet Chastain manages to present the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by the actor's British agent. His assignment is to discover a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
