Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring commentary tackles the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to presenting a fitness program on television. Pushed out by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome treatment called this experimental method. This generates a younger clone called Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from writing about world issues to join an opulent ship with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, as well as other filthy rich guests. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities with this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has left the children on edge. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, yet the lead actress succeeds to present the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as sharp similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a mole within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
