Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching critique tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty and the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and gruesome process called the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection between them. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from reporting on global conflict to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other extremely wealthy individuals. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries through this clever ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has rendered the youth anxious. After Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor plays the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals commence profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, yet the lead actress succeeds to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are masters of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
