Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique addresses the tyranny of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into presenting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller features Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from covering international wars to board a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other filthy rich individuals. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills in this innovative supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has left the local kids frightened. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates the worst. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Chastain manages to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to identify a mole among the team out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
