Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to hosting a workout series on TV. Pushed out due to her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying treatment known as the Substance. This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story includes the talented actress playing Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from reporting on world issues to board a luxury cruise with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, and other filthy rich guests. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities in this clever ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has made the local kids on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. Yet the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though the lead actress achieves to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as sharp similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a mole among the team out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
