Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the tyranny of female beauty and the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into presenting a fitness program on television. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome procedure known as this experimental method. This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from reporting on world issues to join a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other affluent passengers. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries with this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the local kids on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence capitalizing on the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress succeeds to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's another release from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
