Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into presenting an aerobics show on television. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome treatment called the Substance. This creates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from reporting on international wars to join a luxury cruise with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other filthy rich individuals. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has made the youth frightened. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. Yet the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence monetising the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain achieves to present the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a mole within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
