Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold critique addresses the tyranny of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of growing older. Demi Moore delivers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to presenting a workout series on TV. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome treatment titled the Substance. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from writing about world issues to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other affluent passengers. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries in this clever ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to visit a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the local kids anxious. Once Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Chastain manages to depict the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's additional entry by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a mole among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors excel of understated style, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
