Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's bold commentary addresses the tyranny of female beauty and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into presenting a workout series on TV. Edged out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying process called the Substance. This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller stars the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from covering global conflict to join a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities with this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has rendered the youth frightened. When Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. Yet the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain manages to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – among them is his own wife. The two stars are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
