Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary addresses the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress presents a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into presenting a workout series on television. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying process titled the Substance. This produces a younger clone called Sue, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from writing about world issues to embark on an opulent ship with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy passengers. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this clever ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the children frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain manages to show Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a traitor among the team from five suspects – among them is his spouse. Both actors are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
