Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching critique addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore offers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to starring in an aerobics show on television. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying procedure titled this experimental method. This creates a younger clone named Sue, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from writing about global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, plus additional filthy rich individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic film star playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has left the youth on edge. Once Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
