Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold critique tackles the demanding standards for female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore presents a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying treatment titled this experimental method. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection between them. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller features Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from writing about global conflict to board a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional affluent passengers. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills in this innovative supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the children on edge. After Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet the lead actress achieves to depict Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars used by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
