Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress offers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to hosting a fitness program on television. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome treatment called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story includes the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from covering global conflict to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, as well as other affluent passengers. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities with this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the local kids anxious. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates the worst. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain manages to depict the character in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a mole within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are masters of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
