Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to presenting a workout series on television. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying treatment called the Substance. This creates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller includes the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from covering international wars to board a luxury cruise with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other affluent guests. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this innovative supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the youth anxious. After Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals commence monetising the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, though the lead actress succeeds to present the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering by the same director presents a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors take part the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
