Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to starring in a workout series on television. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying treatment called this experimental method. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from reporting on international wars to join a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. But after an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Available now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries in this clever supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical film star playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, his unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, 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 the worst. But the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain achieves to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering by the same director is a espionage tale as precise similar to the collars sported by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
