Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring commentary tackles the tyranny of women's appearance and the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from writing about international wars to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries through this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has made the children anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a basement, he dreads the worst. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet the lead actress achieves to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as sharp similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie develops. Additional actors take part the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
