Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold commentary tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity reduced to hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story stars Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from reporting on international wars to embark on a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, and other extremely wealthy guests. However when a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries with this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has rendered the local kids on edge. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain manages to show the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry by the same director presents a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks used by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
