Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary addresses the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to presenting a workout series on TV. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from writing about global conflict to join a high-end voyage alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, and other filthy rich guests. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Available now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities through this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the children anxious. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. But the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however Chastain succeeds to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release from the filmmaker presents a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a mole within their ranks from a group of five – including is his spouse. The two stars are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
