Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore presents a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to hosting a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story features Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from covering world issues to join an opulent ship with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional filthy rich individuals. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities through this clever supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his unique fame in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has made the youth frightened. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, yet Chastain succeeds to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
