Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore offers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome procedure titled "The Substance". This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from writing about international wars to board an opulent ship with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional filthy rich passengers. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills in this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, his unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has left the youth on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he fears the worst. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, however the lead actress manages to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a mole among the team from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
