Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold satire tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome process titled "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from covering world issues to embark on an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other affluent passengers. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has left the local kids frightened. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin monetising the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to depict the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering by the same director is a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
