Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique examines the tyranny of female beauty along with the feared consequences of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into presenting a workout series on television. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying procedure called "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from reporting on international wars to join a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the children on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. However, the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain achieves to present the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's another release from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a mole among the team from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
