Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance and the feared consequences of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into presenting a fitness program on television. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome process known as "The Substance". This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from reporting on world issues to join an opulent ship with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, and other affluent passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has left the local kids anxious. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of understated style, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors take part the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
