Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold satire examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore delivers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into hosting a workout series on television. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from writing about international wars to board a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, and other extremely wealthy passengers. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills with this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the children anxious. After Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to present the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a mole inside the organization from five suspects – including is his own wife. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
