Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching satire addresses the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity reduced to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying treatment known as this experimental method. This creates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller includes the talented actress playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from writing about global conflict to board an opulent ship with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, and other affluent passengers. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries in this clever supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has left the youth frightened. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. However, the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to present the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a mole among the team from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
