Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring critique addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore delivers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into hosting an aerobics show on television. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying procedure titled this experimental method. This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story includes the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from covering international wars to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. But after an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the local kids on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Chastain achieves to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a mole inside the organization from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
