Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to starring in a workout series on television. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying procedure called this experimental method. This produces a younger clone named Sue, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a hiatus from covering world issues to join a luxury cruise alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, and other filthy rich guests. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills with this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic film star playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has made the children anxious. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, as the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, though Chastain manages to depict Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to identify a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
