Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome treatment known as the Substance. This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from covering international wars to board an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, and other affluent individuals. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this nifty supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has rendered the local kids on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he fears the worst. But the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish true story about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, though the lead actress manages to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry by the same director presents a espionage tale as tight similar to the collars sported by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
