Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the demanding standards for female beauty along with the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome procedure called "The Substance". This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story stars Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from covering global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, and other extremely wealthy individuals. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts 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 phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the children frightened. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, however the lead actress manages to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as sharp similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer excel of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
