Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the tyranny of women's appearance along with the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers an inspired performance as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying procedure titled the Substance. This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story features Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from reporting on international wars to embark on a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, plus additional filthy rich guests. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries with this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has made the youth frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin profiting from the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet the lead actress succeeds to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors excel of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
