Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire examines the demanding standards for female beauty and the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying treatment known as the Substance. This creates a younger clone named Sue, resulting in a progressively toxic connection between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story includes Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from reporting on global conflict to join a luxury cruise with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other filthy rich guests. But after an unknown lady goes overboard one night and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries through this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has left the youth frightened. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads the worst. However, the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple commence capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though the lead actress succeeds to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release by the same director presents a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
