Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the feared consequences of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into hosting a workout series on television. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying process known as "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to a steadily more toxic connection between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story includes the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from covering global conflict to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional filthy rich guests. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities in this nifty supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the children anxious. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. But the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, though the lead actress manages to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars sported by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent among the team from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
