Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary examines the tyranny of women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of growing older. Demi Moore presents a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into presenting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying procedure known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery includes Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from reporting on international wars to embark on a high-end voyage with an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy passengers. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries with this clever supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic film star playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's locked-room horror stands strong even without a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the youth on edge. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears the worst. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish true story about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain manages to present the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars used by the actor's British agent. He is tasked to identify a traitor among the team from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
