Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the tyranny of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into starring in a workout series on TV. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome process called this experimental method. This generates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story includes the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from writing about world issues to embark on a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, and other affluent guests. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries through this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has left the local kids on edge. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he dreads the worst. But the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about profiting from the people's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – including is his spouse. The two stars are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
