Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore offers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to presenting a workout series on television. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying process called "The Substance". This creates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story features the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from reporting on global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional affluent guests. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has left the children anxious. Once Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he dreads the worst. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress succeeds to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering by the same director presents a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his own wife. The two stars are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
