Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to hosting a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome procedure known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from writing about global conflict to embark on an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other filthy rich passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries through this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the local kids frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet Chastain succeeds to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's second offering by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. Each performer are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
