Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity reduced to presenting a fitness program on TV. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying procedure called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from covering world issues to join a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy individuals. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this innovative supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has left the children frightened. Once Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. But the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain manages to depict the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's another release from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
