Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire addresses the demanding standards for female beauty and the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to hosting a workout series on TV. Edged out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying procedure called this experimental method. This generates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story features the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from writing about international wars to join a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has made the children anxious. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about monetising the people's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, however Chastain manages to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
