Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching satire tackles the demanding standards for female beauty and the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress presents a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome process known as "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from reporting on international wars to join a luxury cruise with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, and other extremely wealthy individuals. However when a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this nifty supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a continuation. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has left the local kids frightened. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. But the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though the lead actress achieves to present the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
