Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to hosting a workout series on TV. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying process known as this experimental method. This generates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from reporting on international wars to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, and other affluent passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries with this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective even without a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has made the youth on edge. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he dreads the worst. However, the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however Chastain manages to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a traitor among the team from a group of five – among them is his own wife. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
