Pick of the Week
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to presenting a fitness program on TV. Forced aside by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying procedure titled the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes the talented actress playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from reporting on world issues to board a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, and other affluent individuals. However when an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries with this nifty supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the youth on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he fears the worst. But the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though the lead actress achieves to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
