Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity reduced to hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying procedure titled the Substance. This creates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to an increasingly toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from covering world issues to board a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, and other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this innovative supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the local kids anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Chastain succeeds to depict the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's another release from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his own wife. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
