Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary addresses the demanding standards for female beauty along with the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to hosting a workout series on television. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome procedure called the Substance. This creates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from writing about global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, and other affluent guests. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills in this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical film star playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has left the youth frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about monetising the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering by the same director delivers a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars worn by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his own wife. The two stars excel of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
