Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to hosting a fitness program on television. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome treatment titled the Substance. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from covering global conflict to join a luxury cruise with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, and other filthy rich guests. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries through this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has rendered the youth frightened. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. But the disconnected phone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, though Chastain succeeds to show the character in a likable light. October 14th, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a mole inside the organization from a group of five – among them is his own wife. The two stars excel of understated style, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
