Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance and the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying procedure called the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate called Sue, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller features the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from covering international wars to join an opulent ship with an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, as well as other filthy rich guests. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities with this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has rendered the local kids on edge. When Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet the lead actress succeeds to show the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
