Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore delivers an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to hosting a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome procedure known as "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively toxic connection between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from reporting on international wars to board a high-end voyage with an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional affluent guests. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries through this clever supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has made the youth frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain manages to depict the character with compassion. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as sharp similar to the collars used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a traitor among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
