Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to starring in a fitness program on television. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying procedure called this experimental method. This produces a younger clone named Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from covering world issues to board an opulent ship with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, and other affluent individuals. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has made the youth frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering by the same director delivers a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks used by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
