Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary examines the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery features Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from covering international wars to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich passengers. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills with this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, evening, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has made the youth on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to present Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering by the same director delivers a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
