Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the feared consequences of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to hosting a workout series on TV. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and horrifying treatment called this experimental method. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from writing about international wars to board an opulent ship with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional affluent passengers. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this clever ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage embraces his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has left the children frightened. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence profiting from the people's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain achieves to present the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars sported by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a double agent inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. Each performer excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
