Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold satire examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity reduced to starring in an aerobics show on television. Edged out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome procedure titled "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller features the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from covering international wars to embark on a high-end voyage with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, and other filthy rich guests. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills in this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror stands strong even without a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the local kids frightened. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates the worst. But the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Chastain manages to depict the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a mole inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
