Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique examines the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress presents an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying procedure titled this experimental method. This generates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller features Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from reporting on global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional affluent individuals. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has rendered the youth frightened. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, however the lead actress manages to present Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's another release from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are experts of understated style, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
