Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold satire addresses the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to hosting a workout series on TV. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying process known as "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from reporting on world issues to join a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other affluent individuals. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has left the children on edge. When Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. However, the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's another release from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks used by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor among the team from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
