Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary examines the demanding standards for women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome process called "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection between them. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller features Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from covering world issues to join an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional affluent guests. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills in this innovative supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has rendered the local kids on edge. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he dreads the worst. But the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress achieves to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker is a espionage tale as precise similar to the collars worn by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to identify a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie unfolds. 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
