Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty and the feared consequences of advancing years. Demi Moore presents a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to hosting a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a younger clone named Sue, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story includes Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from covering global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, as well as other filthy rich passengers. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities in this nifty supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has made the youth frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a mole inside the organization from five suspects – including is his spouse. Both actors excel of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie develops. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
