Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty and the feared consequences of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to starring in an aerobics show on television. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome treatment titled the Substance. This produces a younger clone named Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from reporting on world issues to board an opulent ship with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, and other filthy rich guests. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills through this clever supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a sequel. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has rendered the local kids anxious. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, however the lead actress succeeds to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his own wife. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
