Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance and the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into starring in an aerobics show on television. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying process titled the Substance. This produces a younger clone called Sue, leading to a steadily more toxic connection between them. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from covering global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this clever ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has rendered the local kids frightened. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. But the disconnected phone on the wall continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, though the lead actress achieves to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks worn by the actor's British agent. His assignment is to discover a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie develops. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
