Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary examines the tyranny of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress presents an inspired performance as Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into presenting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying process titled the Substance. This generates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery stars the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from reporting on world issues to join a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, and other affluent guests. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries through this nifty supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the youth on edge. When Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. But the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin profiting from the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Chastain manages to present the character in a likable light. October 14th, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release from the filmmaker is a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks used by the actor's British agent. His assignment is to identify a traitor among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
