Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring commentary addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to starring in a fitness program on TV. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and horrifying process titled "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a steadily more toxic connection between them. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery includes Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from reporting on world issues to board a high-end voyage with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, and other extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills in this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the children anxious. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor plays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin monetising the people's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, however Chastain achieves to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry by the same director presents a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a double agent among the team from a group of five – including is his spouse. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
