Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to presenting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome process called "The Substance". This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from reporting on global conflict to board a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this clever supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a sequel. Located in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has left the local kids on edge. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he dreads the worst. But the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, yet Chastain succeeds to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a mole among the team from five suspects – including is his own wife. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
