Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore presents an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to starring in an aerobics show on television. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome treatment titled "The Substance". This generates a younger clone called Sue, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from writing about international wars to join an opulent ship with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, and other affluent guests. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has left the children frightened. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release by the same director presents a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
