Pick of the Week
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring commentary tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and horrifying procedure called this experimental method. This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection among both women. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller includes Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on world issues to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, and other extremely wealthy passengers. However when an unknown lady goes overboard one night and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills with this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest remains effective even without a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has left the children frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, though Chastain manages to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's another release from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is with uncovering a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
