Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of growing older. Demi Moore presents a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into hosting a fitness program on television. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying process called the Substance. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from reporting on international wars to join a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional filthy rich guests. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills through this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the local kids on edge. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, though the lead actress succeeds to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks sported by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole inside the organization from a group of five – among them is his own wife. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
