Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring commentary tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore presents a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying process titled the Substance. This creates a younger clone called Sue, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller features Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, and other extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills in this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has made the youth on edge. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. However, the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to show the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a double agent among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. 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
