Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress offers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to starring in a workout series on TV. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story features Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from covering international wars to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, and other filthy rich individuals. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries with this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has made the children on edge. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals commence capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however the lead actress manages to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – including is his spouse. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
