Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore offers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to hosting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome procedure titled "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery includes the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from reporting on global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other filthy rich guests. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries in this nifty supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has left the local kids frightened. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. But the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however the lead actress succeeds to show the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering by the same director is a spy mystery as sharp similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
