Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the tyranny of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying treatment titled the Substance. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story stars the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from reporting on international wars to join an opulent ship with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, and other affluent guests. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities with this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror remains effective even without a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has left the children anxious. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. However, the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence capitalizing on the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to present the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars used by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a mole among the team out of five possibilities – including is his own wife. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
