Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying procedure called "The Substance". This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from writing about global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, and other affluent passengers. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities in this nifty supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has rendered the children anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though the lead actress manages to show the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering by the same director is a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars used by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of understated style, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
