Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying treatment known as the Substance. This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from reporting on international wars to embark on a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, and other affluent individuals. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills in this nifty supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has left the local kids on edge. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, however the lead actress achieves to present the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. Each performer excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
