Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the demanding standards for female beauty and the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to hosting a fitness program on television. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful mystery features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from covering global conflict to join an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other filthy rich passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities through this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. But why? 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 Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed film star playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the children on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he fears the worst. But the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet the lead actress succeeds to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
