Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary tackles the demanding standards for female beauty and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into presenting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself named Sue, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story features Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from writing about world issues to embark on an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, and other affluent guests. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities through this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective even without a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, several disappearances has rendered the local kids anxious. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – including is his spouse. Both actors excel of understated style, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
