Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary examines the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore delivers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying treatment called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a progressively toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller stars Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from reporting on international wars to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional filthy rich individuals. But after an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities in this nifty supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has left the youth anxious. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. But the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain manages to present the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks sported by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie develops. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
