Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance and the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to presenting a fitness program on TV. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from covering global conflict to embark on an opulent ship alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, as well as other affluent passengers. However when an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills with this innovative supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the children on edge. When Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however the lead actress succeeds to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry by the same director is a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks worn by the actor's British agent. His assignment is to discover a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
