Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary examines the tyranny of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into hosting a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome procedure called this experimental method. This creates a younger clone called Sue, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on international wars to board an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, and other filthy rich guests. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the children frightened. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. But the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators offering help, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though the lead actress achieves to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry by the same director presents a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a traitor among the team from a group of five – among them is his own wife. The two stars excel of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
