Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into starring in a fitness program on television. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome procedure known as the Substance. This generates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from reporting on global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills through this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the youth anxious. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. However, the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence monetising the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to depict the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to identify a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
