Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring satire addresses the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to hosting a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying treatment titled this experimental method. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more toxic connection between them. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller stars Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from covering global conflict to join a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, plus additional filthy rich guests. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has left the children anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain achieves to show the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
