Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the tyranny of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress offers an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to starring in an aerobics show on television. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying procedure called the Substance. This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story features the talented actress playing Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from reporting on international wars to board a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other affluent guests. However when a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this nifty supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the children frightened. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. Yet the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain manages to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars sported by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a traitor among the team from a group of five – including is his spouse. Each performer are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
