Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress presents a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity reduced to hosting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying process known as this experimental method. This creates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from covering international wars to board a luxury cruise with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, and other filthy rich passengers. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has made the children anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he fears a fatal end. But the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple commence monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, however Chastain manages to show the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars sported by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a mole among the team from five suspects – among them is his spouse. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie develops. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
