Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the tyranny of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying treatment called this experimental method. This creates a younger clone called Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from reporting on international wars to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, and other affluent passengers. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Available now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills with this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has made the youth on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, though Chastain manages to depict the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
