Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress presents a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into presenting a workout series on television. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying treatment titled the Substance. This produces a younger clone called Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story stars Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from covering international wars to join a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills in this clever supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has made the youth anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
