Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the demanding standards for female beauty and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore offers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into starring in a fitness program on television. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome process titled the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate named Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from reporting on global conflict to board a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other affluent guests. However when a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities through this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the children frightened. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Chastain succeeds to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks worn by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are experts of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
