Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold satire addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore delivers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to presenting an aerobics show on television. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome process known as the Substance. This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from covering international wars to board an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries in this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage fully commits to his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has made the youth anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however the lead actress manages to show Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of understated style, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere