Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold satire tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying process known as "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller features Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from writing about international wars to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional affluent individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills through this clever ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has left the local kids frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears the worst. But the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Chastain manages to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks used by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
