Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary addresses the demanding standards for female beauty and the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress presents a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to presenting a fitness program on TV. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying treatment known as the Substance. This produces a younger clone called Sue, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery includes Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from covering international wars to board a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, as well as other affluent guests. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical film star playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's locked-room horror holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has left the youth anxious. After Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's additional entry by the same director is a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to identify a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. The two stars excel of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
