Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the tyranny of female beauty along with the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress offers a brilliant portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to starring in a fitness program on television. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and horrifying process called "The Substance". This creates a younger clone named Sue, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from covering international wars to board a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other affluent individuals. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities in this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest holds up well even without a sequel. Located in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has made the local kids frightened. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he fears the worst. Yet the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about monetising the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, however the lead actress succeeds to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry by the same director is a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – including is his own wife. Both actors are experts of understated style, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
