Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired performance as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into hosting a workout series on TV. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome process known as "The Substance". This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from writing about world issues to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has rendered the local kids on edge. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. But the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence profiting from the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Chastain achieves to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer excel of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
