Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching critique addresses the tyranny of female beauty along with the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress offers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to presenting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a younger clone named Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful mystery features Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from writing about global conflict to board an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, and other extremely wealthy guests. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills with this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Located in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has left the youth anxious. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though the lead actress succeeds to depict the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release from the filmmaker is a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is his own wife. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
