Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold satire examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into presenting a fitness program on television. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome treatment called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from reporting on international wars to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional filthy rich passengers. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this innovative supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror remains effective even without a continuation. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has left the local kids frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears the worst. But the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, yet the lead actress achieves to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a mole within their ranks from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
