Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to presenting a fitness program on television. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying process known as "The Substance". This generates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from covering world issues to join a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, and other extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has left the children anxious. After Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears the worst. But the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain manages to depict the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a double agent among the team from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
