Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress offers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying process known as the Substance. This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery features Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from reporting on world issues to join an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries in this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has left the youth anxious. When Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, however Chastain manages to depict the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars excel of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
