Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to presenting a fitness program on television. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome process titled the Substance. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly toxic connection between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller features the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from covering international wars to join a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries through this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has rendered the local kids anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence monetising the people's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, however the lead actress succeeds to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as tight similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters 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 join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
