Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into hosting a fitness program on television. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome process called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from reporting on global conflict to join a high-end voyage with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other affluent individuals. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has left the local kids anxious. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates the worst. But the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, on 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 of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Chastain succeeds to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering from the filmmaker presents a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – among them is his own wife. The two stars are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. 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
