Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome procedure known as "The Substance". This creates a younger clone called Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story stars Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to board an opulent ship with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, and other extremely wealthy individuals. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries through this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, his unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has made the local kids anxious. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he fears the worst. But the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor plays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Chastain succeeds to show the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
