Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying procedure known as this experimental method. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller features Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from covering global conflict to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has rendered the local kids anxious. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. But the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet Chastain achieves to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
