Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring commentary addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to presenting a workout series on TV. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome treatment titled this experimental method. This produces a younger clone named Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from reporting on global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, several disappearances has rendered the children on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. But the non-functional line in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple commence capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, however Chastain achieves to show the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a mole among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
