Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching satire addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to hosting a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively toxic connection among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from covering international wars to embark on a luxury cruise with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy individuals. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the children frightened. After Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a basement, he dreads the worst. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple commence capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to show the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release by the same director presents a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent among the team from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
