Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the tyranny of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to starring in a workout series on TV. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying process called the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from writing about international wars to board an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, and other filthy rich individuals. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills with this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror remains effective even without a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has left the local kids on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple commence capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, however the lead actress manages to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering by the same director delivers a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his own wife. The two stars are masters of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
