Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress presents a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into starring in a fitness program on TV. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying treatment called the Substance. This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from reporting on international wars to join a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, and other filthy rich individuals. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this innovative supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage embraces his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective even without a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has made the children on edge. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he fears the worst. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet the lead actress achieves to depict the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's additional entry by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
