Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring satire tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying process titled "The Substance". This generates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit mystery stars Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from covering world issues to board an opulent ship with an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, plus additional affluent individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical celebrity named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has made the local kids frightened. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he dreads the worst. However, the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet Chastain succeeds to show the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release from the filmmaker is a espionage tale as sharp similar to the collars used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
