🔗 Share this article

Pick of the Week

The Substance

Coralie Fargeat's bold satire addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of growing older. Demi Moore presents an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into starring in an aerobics show on television. Forced aside by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying treatment titled the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus

---

The Woman in Cabin 10

This classic whodunit thriller features Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from covering world issues to join an opulent ship with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, plus additional filthy rich passengers. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix

---

Presence

Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel

---

Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy

Cage embraces his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4

---

The Black Phone

The director's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has left the local kids on edge. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he anticipates the worst. However, the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel

---

This Dramatic Portrait

In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, yet the lead actress achieves to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4

---

The Spy Mystery

This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema