Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring critique examines the tyranny of women's appearance and the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers an inspired performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into presenting an aerobics show on television. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story features Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from writing about global conflict to embark on an opulent ship alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional filthy rich guests. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills in this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has rendered the youth anxious. Once Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. But the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, however Chastain achieves to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a mole within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
