Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome process known as the Substance. This creates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection between them. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from writing about global conflict to board an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional affluent guests. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this clever ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has left the youth anxious. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet the lead actress achieves to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering by the same director presents a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks worn by the actor's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his own wife. Both actors are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
