Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire examines the demanding standards for female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying procedure called the Substance. This produces a younger clone called Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from writing about world issues to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, as well as other filthy rich guests. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage embraces his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has left the local kids anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he fears the worst. Yet the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, however the lead actress succeeds to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release by the same director presents a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a mole within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
