Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome treatment known as the Substance. This generates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller includes Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from reporting on global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, and other filthy rich individuals. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this clever ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the local kids on edge. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he dreads the worst. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain manages to depict the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry by the same director is a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
