Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome treatment known as "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit mystery includes the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from writing about world issues to join a luxury cruise with an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional affluent individuals. However when an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities through this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has rendered the local kids on edge. When Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a basement, he anticipates the worst. But the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain manages to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering by the same director delivers a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks sported by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
