Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress offers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into starring in a workout series on television. Forced aside due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome procedure called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from writing about international wars to join a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional affluent passengers. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries through this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of 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
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest stands strong even without a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has made the youth anxious. After Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, yet the lead actress manages to show the real-life figure with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release by the same director delivers a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – among them is his own wife. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
