Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring commentary tackles the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress offers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying treatment called "The Substance". This creates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from writing about world issues to embark on an opulent ship with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, as well as other affluent individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has made the children on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress achieves to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
