Pick of the Week
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress presents an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into presenting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying process known as this experimental method. This creates a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from reporting on global conflict to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, and other filthy rich guests. But after an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries with this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical film star playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to visit a celebration in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has rendered the children frightened. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. However, the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, however the lead actress achieves to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering by the same director presents a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
