Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and terrifying treatment called the Substance. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a steadily more toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from covering world issues to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional affluent guests. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the children anxious. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. However, the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Chastain manages to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release by the same director delivers a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
