Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the demanding standards for female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress presents a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to hosting a workout series on TV. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from covering global conflict to join a high-end voyage with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, and other filthy rich passengers. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this clever supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage fully commits to his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has left the youth frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain manages to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks worn by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a double agent among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
