Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying procedure known as the Substance. This creates a younger clone named Sue, leading to a steadily more toxic connection between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller stars Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, and other affluent individuals. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has made the youth on edge. Once Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. However, the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, though the lead actress manages to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a mole inside the organization from five suspects – among them is his own wife. The two stars are masters of understated style, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
