Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the demanding standards for female beauty along with the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers an inspired performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to hosting a workout series on television. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and terrifying process known as the Substance. This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from writing about global conflict to join a high-end voyage with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy individuals. However when a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills through this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has made the local kids frightened. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the character in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering from the filmmaker is a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a mole among the team out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
