Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to hosting a workout series on TV. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying process known as the Substance. This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from covering world issues to join a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries in this nifty supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, 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 cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic film star playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the local kids on edge. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. Yet the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain manages to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. Both actors are experts of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
