Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary examines the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into presenting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome treatment known as "The Substance". This generates a youthful duplicate named Sue, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from writing about global conflict to join an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, plus additional affluent individuals. However when a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Located in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has left the children frightened. Once Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain achieves to show the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's British agent. His assignment is to discover a double agent among the team from five suspects – including is his spouse. Both actors are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie develops. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
