Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's bold critique tackles the tyranny of women's appearance along with the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to hosting a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome treatment titled "The Substance". This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery features Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from reporting on world issues to embark on an opulent ship with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, and other affluent guests. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills in this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has left the local kids anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress succeeds to present the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a mole among the team from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
