Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring critique addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance and the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress offers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to starring in a fitness program on TV. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome treatment titled the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story features Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from reporting on international wars to board a luxury cruise with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional filthy rich passengers. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills in this clever ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the children frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. Yet the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, yet the lead actress manages to present the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release by the same director delivers a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
