Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the tyranny of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress offers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying treatment titled the Substance. This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from writing about global conflict to join an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, and other affluent passengers. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills with this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a festive event in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has made the children anxious. Once Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
