Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the tyranny of women's appearance and the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress offers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying procedure called the Substance. This generates a younger clone called Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller features Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from reporting on international wars to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills in this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage fully commits to his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the children on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he dreads the worst. However, the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, however the lead actress succeeds to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – including is his own wife. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
