Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the tyranny of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress offers a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to starring in a fitness program on TV. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying treatment called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from writing about world issues to join an opulent ship alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other affluent individuals. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities in this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has left the children on edge. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. Yet the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a traitor among the team from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
