Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress presents an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into presenting a fitness program on television. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying procedure called the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery features Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from writing about international wars to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other affluent passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities in this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has rendered the local kids anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Chastain achieves to present the character in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a mole inside the organization from a group of five – including is his spouse. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
