Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique addresses the demanding standards for female beauty and the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore presents a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity reduced to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying process known as this experimental method. This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a hiatus from writing about international wars to board a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this clever supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Located in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has left the children on edge. Once Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. But the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Chastain manages to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a double agent inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
