Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into starring in an aerobics show on television. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying procedure titled "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to a steadily more toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller includes Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from reporting on international wars to embark on a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, and other filthy rich individuals. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this clever ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has left the children frightened. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads the worst. But the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry by the same director delivers a espionage tale as precise similar to the collars used by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a double agent among the team from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
