Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance along with the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into hosting a workout series on television. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome procedure called "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller stars the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from covering global conflict to board a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy passengers. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea one night and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has left the youth on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a basement, he fears the worst. However, the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain manages to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks sported by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a double agent among the team from five suspects – among them is his spouse. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
