Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire tackles the tyranny of women's appearance along with the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying process known as "The Substance". This generates a younger clone called Sue, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from covering world issues to board a high-end voyage with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, and other filthy rich guests. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries through this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has made the local kids on edge. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears the worst. But the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about monetising the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a traitor among the team from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
