Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to presenting an aerobics show on television. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome procedure called "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story features Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from writing about international wars to embark on an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other affluent individuals. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this nifty supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has rendered the children anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators offering help, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though the lead actress succeeds to depict Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
