Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to a secretive and gruesome treatment titled "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from covering international wars to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, and other filthy rich guests. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror stands strong even without a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has left the local kids frightened. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though Chastain achieves to show the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry by the same director is a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – among them is his spouse. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
