Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance and the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to presenting a workout series on TV. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome process called the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a hiatus from writing about international wars to embark on a high-end voyage with an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, and other filthy rich passengers. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries in this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has left the children anxious. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. But the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – including is his own wife. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
