Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold critique addresses the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and horrifying treatment known as this experimental method. This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller includes Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from writing about international wars to embark on an opulent ship alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, and other affluent individuals. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities with this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has made the children anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress manages to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release by the same director is a spy mystery as sharp similar to the collars sported by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a mole among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
