Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's unflinching critique addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress delivers an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into presenting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from covering global conflict to join an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, and other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills in this innovative supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror holds up well even without a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has left the local kids on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain achieves to present the real-life figure with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
