Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the tyranny of women's appearance along with the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress presents a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome process known as this experimental method. This creates a younger clone named Sue, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller stars Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from covering international wars to board a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich passengers. However when a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several disappearances has left the youth on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. But the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though the lead actress achieves to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks sported by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – including is his spouse. Both actors are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
