Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the demanding standards for female beauty and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress offers a brilliant portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to starring in a workout series on television. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying process called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story features Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from reporting on global conflict to board a luxury cruise with an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, and other affluent individuals. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage embraces his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has left the local kids anxious. When Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates the worst. However, the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain achieves to show the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
