Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold satire addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to presenting a workout series on TV. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome treatment titled the Substance. This generates a younger clone called Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from reporting on world issues to board a high-end voyage with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, and other affluent guests. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Available now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills with this nifty supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has left the local kids anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. However, the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though the lead actress achieves to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's another release from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
