Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's unflinching satire examines the tyranny of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to starring in an aerobics show on television. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This produces a younger clone called Sue, resulting in a progressively toxic connection between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from writing about global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional filthy rich passengers. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities with this nifty supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the local kids anxious. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. But the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple commence monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Chastain succeeds to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a mole inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
