Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to starring in a workout series on television. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying treatment called the Substance. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story features the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from covering world issues to board an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the children anxious. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he dreads the worst. However, the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Chastain manages to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a mole within their ranks from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
