Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring commentary examines the tyranny of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from writing about global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional affluent passengers. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has made the youth anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however the lead actress succeeds to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie develops. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
