Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to starring in a workout series on television. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome procedure titled the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story features Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from writing about global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities through this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the children anxious. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, however the lead actress manages to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. The two stars are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
