Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold satire examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome procedure called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to embark on an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich individuals. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has left the local kids on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he fears the worst. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, though the lead actress succeeds to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent among the team from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
