Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary examines the demanding standards for female beauty and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to starring in an aerobics show on television. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying process called "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a steadily more toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from reporting on global conflict to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, and other affluent guests. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries in this nifty supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has made the children frightened. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the people's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor among the team from a group of five – including is his spouse. The two stars excel of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
