Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire examines the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress delivers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity reduced to starring in an aerobics show on television. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying process titled this experimental method. This generates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful mystery features Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on international wars to board a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, as well as other filthy rich passengers. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a celebration in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has left the children anxious. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however the lead actress manages to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – among them is his own wife. The two stars are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
