Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring critique addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into starring in a fitness program on TV. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying process called the Substance. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from writing about world issues to board an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional filthy rich passengers. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities through this clever ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage embraces his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has left the youth anxious. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who states early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin monetising the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, yet the lead actress succeeds to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a double agent among the team from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
