Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of advancing years. Demi Moore presents a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to hosting a workout series on television. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying procedure titled the Substance. This creates a younger clone named Sue, resulting in a progressively toxic connection between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller features Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from covering international wars to join an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, and other affluent guests. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has left the youth anxious. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain achieves to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release by the same director delivers a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
