Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into presenting a workout series on TV. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying treatment titled this experimental method. This creates a younger clone called Sue, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from writing about global conflict to board an opulent ship alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, and other affluent guests. But after an unknown lady goes overboard one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries in this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the local kids frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, though the lead actress achieves to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
