Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into hosting a fitness program on television. Pushed out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying procedure called the Substance. This creates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story features Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from writing about international wars to join an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has rendered the youth frightened. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. But the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet Chastain succeeds to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks worn by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a mole within their ranks from a group of five – including is his own wife. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
