Pick of the Week
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's daring critique examines the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress offers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to presenting a workout series on television. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying procedure called the Substance. This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story includes the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from covering international wars to embark on a high-end voyage alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, and other filthy rich individuals. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries with this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has left the children frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however Chastain achieves to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – among them is his spouse. Both actors are masters of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
