Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into presenting a fitness program on TV. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from writing about international wars to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries through this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has left the local kids anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Chastain succeeds to show the character with compassion. October 14th, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a mole within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
