Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching satire tackles the tyranny of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress delivers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to starring in a workout series on television. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying process known as "The Substance". This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly toxic connection among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from writing about global conflict to join a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, as well as other affluent passengers. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills in this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has made the local kids frightened. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. Yet the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain manages to depict the character in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
