Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the tyranny of women's appearance and the feared consequences of advancing years. Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This generates a youthful duplicate called Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from reporting on global conflict to board a luxury cruise with an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, plus additional filthy rich guests. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has left the youth on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals commence monetising the people's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Chastain manages to depict the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release by the same director is a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a mole among the team out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
