Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress offers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to presenting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome process called "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from writing about international wars to board a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, plus additional filthy rich guests. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities through this clever supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a celebration in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has made the children on edge. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin profiting from the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, though the lead actress achieves to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
