Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into starring in an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and horrifying treatment known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from covering international wars to embark on an opulent ship with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, plus additional filthy rich passengers. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills in this nifty supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has made the local kids on edge. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who states early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain manages to depict the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry by the same director delivers a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – including is his own wife. Both actors excel of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
