Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome treatment known as this experimental method. This generates a youthful duplicate called Sue, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from writing about global conflict to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, as well as other filthy rich guests. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this clever supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a continuation. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has made the youth frightened. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, however Chastain manages to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a mole inside the organization from five suspects – including is his spouse. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie develops. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
