Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into presenting a fitness program on television. Edged out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying procedure titled the Substance. This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from reporting on international wars to embark on an opulent ship with an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries in this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a continuation. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the children anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he anticipates the worst. But the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators offering help, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, though the lead actress manages to present the character with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release by the same director delivers a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. The two stars are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
