Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to hosting a workout series on TV. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying treatment called the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from reporting on world issues to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, and other extremely wealthy guests. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills in this nifty supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has left the children anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he fears a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, however the lead actress manages to depict the character in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering by the same director presents a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie develops. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
