Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the demanding standards for female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to hosting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome procedure called "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from reporting on world issues to join a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, and other filthy rich passengers. But after an unknown lady goes overboard one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has left the children frightened. When Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he fears the worst. Yet the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however the lead actress manages to present the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a double agent among the team from a group of five – including is his spouse. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
