Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome procedure known as "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from reporting on international wars to embark on a luxury cruise with an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy passengers. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this clever supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror stands strong even without a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has left the youth frightened. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates the worst. But the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however Chastain manages to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars excel of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
