Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to starring in a workout series on TV. Edged out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome treatment known as the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful mystery stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from covering world issues to board an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, and other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills in this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, his unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has made the children frightened. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain manages to show the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's another release from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks used by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. The two stars excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
