Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold critique tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress presents a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying process known as the Substance. This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on world issues to embark on a high-end voyage with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other affluent guests. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities through this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has rendered the children on edge. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain manages to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a mole inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
