Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying process titled "The Substance". This produces a younger clone called Sue, resulting in a progressively toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller stars the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from covering international wars to join a high-end voyage alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, plus additional affluent passengers. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills through this nifty supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, his unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has rendered the local kids anxious. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. But the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain achieves to depict the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
