Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to presenting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying treatment titled this experimental method. This generates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from reporting on international wars to join an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other filthy rich guests. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities with this innovative supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has left the youth frightened. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however the lead actress succeeds to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – including is his own wife. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, the Sky channel
