Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to starring in a fitness program on TV. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying treatment known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from covering international wars to embark on an opulent ship alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other affluent guests. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Available now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the youth anxious. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple commence capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though Chastain succeeds to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a mole inside the organization from a group of five – including is his spouse. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
