Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the demanding standards for female beauty and the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress presents a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying treatment titled the Substance. This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful mystery stars Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from reporting on world issues to board a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other extremely wealthy passengers. However when an enigmatic female falls into the sea one night and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills through this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has made the children frightened. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads the worst. However, the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress succeeds to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor among the team from a group of five – among them is his own wife. The two stars are masters of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
