Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold satire tackles the demanding standards for female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into starring in a fitness program on television. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome process called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller features the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from covering world issues to join a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, and other filthy rich individuals. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills with this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic film star playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has left the youth frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. But the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress achieves to present the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's another release by the same director is a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks worn by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a traitor among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
