Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold satire tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to starring in a workout series on television. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome process known as "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller features Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from writing about international wars to board a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional affluent guests. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities with this innovative supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage embraces his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
The director's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the local kids anxious. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads the worst. But the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain manages to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
