Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and horrifying procedure titled "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller includes the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from writing about global conflict to join an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, as well as other affluent guests. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries through this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has rendered the youth anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, though Chastain succeeds to show the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a mole among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
