Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story features the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from writing about world issues to embark on an opulent ship with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, as well as other affluent passengers. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills with this clever supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has made the youth anxious. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet the lead actress manages to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry by the same director is a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars sported by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
