Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore presents an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome treatment known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from covering international wars to board an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, and other extremely wealthy individuals. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the youth anxious. When Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, though Chastain achieves to depict the character in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. The two stars are masters of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
