Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary tackles the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into starring in an aerobics show on television. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying process called the Substance. This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story includes Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from covering world issues to embark on a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional affluent guests. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills in this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to spy on the alleged criminal, his unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has made the youth on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about monetising the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, though the lead actress succeeds to show the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks used by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a mole within their ranks from a group of five – including is his own wife. Both actors are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
