Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore delivers an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into hosting a workout series on TV. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from writing about world issues to join an opulent ship with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other affluent individuals. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this innovative supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical celebrity playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has rendered the local kids anxious. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Chastain manages to present the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks used by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a double agent inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. Both actors excel of understated style, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, the Sky channel
