Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore delivers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying procedure called this experimental method. This generates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from covering global conflict to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional filthy rich guests. However when an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries with this nifty supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has left the youth on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he fears a fatal end. However, the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, however Chastain achieves to show the real-life figure with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks used by the actor's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a mole within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
