Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring satire tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into hosting a fitness program on television. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome treatment called "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from reporting on global conflict to board a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional filthy rich individuals. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries with this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has made the children frightened. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads the worst. However, the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however the lead actress achieves to present Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to identify a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – including is his spouse. The two stars are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
