Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary addresses the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore offers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying process known as the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from covering world issues to join a luxury cruise with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, and other filthy rich guests. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills in this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. 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, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the local kids frightened. After Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet the lead actress achieves to present the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as sharp similar to the collars used by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole within their ranks from a group of five – including is his own wife. Both actors excel of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
