Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire tackles the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity reduced to hosting an aerobics show on television. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying process known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery stars the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from writing about international wars to join an opulent ship with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, and other filthy rich guests. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills in this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has left the youth on edge. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet the lead actress manages to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks used by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
