Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the demanding standards for female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to starring in a fitness program on television. Edged out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying treatment called the Substance. This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from writing about global conflict to board a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, and other affluent guests. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic film star playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has left the children on edge. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he anticipates the worst. However, the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, however the lead actress manages to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a double agent among the team from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
