Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring commentary examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to hosting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying procedure titled this experimental method. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes the talented actress playing Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a hiatus from writing about international wars to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries with this clever supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the local kids anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he anticipates the worst. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however Chastain achieves to show Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a double agent among the team from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
