Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to starring in a fitness program on TV. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to a secretive and gruesome process known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story features Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from reporting on world issues to embark on a high-end voyage with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, and other filthy rich passengers. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries in this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, his unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has made the youth on edge. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. However, the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain manages to present the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. Both actors are masters of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
