Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress offers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying treatment known as the Substance. This creates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from covering global conflict to board a high-end voyage with an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, and other filthy rich individuals. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries in this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has left the youth frightened. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain manages to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars used by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
