Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold satire tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress offers a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying treatment called "The Substance". This creates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from reporting on global conflict to join a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, as well as other affluent individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries in this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has left the children on edge. Once Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. However, the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple commence profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Chastain succeeds to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
