Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress presents a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying process known as the Substance. This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller includes Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a hiatus from covering global conflict to board a luxury cruise alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills in this clever ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has made the children frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. Yet the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks sported by the actor's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a mole within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars excel of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
