Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress presents a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into starring in a workout series on TV. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying process known as this experimental method. This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery includes the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from reporting on international wars to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, and other affluent passengers. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this innovative supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has left the children anxious. Once Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he anticipates the worst. However, the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain achieves to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
