Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of advancing years. Demi Moore presents a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into hosting a fitness program on TV. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome treatment titled this experimental method. This creates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from reporting on international wars to embark on an opulent ship with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy individuals. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries in this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has left the youth frightened. Once Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he fears the worst. But the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, however the lead actress manages to present the character in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars worn by the actor's British agent. His assignment is to discover a mole among the team out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. The two stars are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
