Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a brilliant portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to hosting a workout series on TV. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying procedure titled this experimental method. This generates a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from covering global conflict to join a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities with this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has made the children on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet Chastain achieves to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars sported by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
