Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into starring in a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome treatment called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller features Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from writing about global conflict to join a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, and other affluent passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the youth frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. But the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his spouse. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie develops. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
