Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold critique examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into starring in a workout series on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and horrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to an increasingly toxic connection among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit mystery includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from reporting on world issues to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to spy on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has left the youth frightened. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he anticipates the worst. But the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet the lead actress succeeds to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's second offering by the same director presents a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a double agent among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors excel of understated style, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
