Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant portrayal playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome process called "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from reporting on world issues to board a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, as well as other affluent guests. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities with this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has rendered the youth on edge. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads the worst. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, nighttime, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
