Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the tyranny of female beauty and the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress offers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to hosting a fitness program on television. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This generates a younger clone named Sue, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller features Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from covering world issues to board a luxury cruise with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, and other affluent individuals. However when an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the local kids frightened. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he fears a fatal end. But the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Chastain manages to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a double agent among the team from a group of five – including is his spouse. Both actors are experts of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
