Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore offers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into presenting an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome procedure known as "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story features Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from reporting on international wars to board a luxury cruise with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional affluent individuals. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills in this clever supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has left the youth frightened. After Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a basement, he fears the worst. Yet the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to present the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release by the same director is a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
