Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire tackles the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore presents a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to presenting a fitness program on television. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying procedure titled "The Substance". This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from writing about global conflict to embark on an opulent ship with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, and other filthy rich guests. However when an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills through this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has left the local kids frightened. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. But the non-functional line in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain manages to depict the real-life figure with compassion. October 14th, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry by the same director presents a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars used by the actor's British agent. His assignment is to discover a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – including is his own wife. Both actors excel of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
