Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching satire tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress offers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to hosting a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying procedure called this experimental method. This produces a younger clone called Sue, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from reporting on world issues to embark on a luxury cruise with an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has made the youth anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. But the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet Chastain succeeds to present the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a double agent inside the organization out of five possibilities – including is his own wife. Each performer excel of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
