Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress presents a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to hosting a fitness program on TV. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome process titled the Substance. This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from covering world issues to join a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, and other affluent passengers. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has rendered the children frightened. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices providing assistance, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet Chastain manages to show the character in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, Film4
Black Bag
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a mole among the team out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
