Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of growing older. Demi Moore presents an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into starring in a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate named Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller stars Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from covering world issues to join an opulent ship with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills with this clever supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a festive event in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has rendered the local kids on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a basement, he fears a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Chastain succeeds to show the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as sharp similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a mole within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
