Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the tyranny of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into starring in an aerobics show on television. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and gruesome treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from covering international wars to embark on an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich individuals. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills in this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic film star playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's locked-room horror remains effective even without a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has made the children anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he fears the worst. But the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin monetising the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's another release by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor among the team from five suspects – among them is his spouse. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
