Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold commentary addresses the demanding standards for female beauty as well as the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress presents a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into hosting a workout series on TV. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome procedure known as the Substance. This generates a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from reporting on world issues to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy guests. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable 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 embraces his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic film star playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has made the local kids on edge. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however the lead actress manages to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering by the same director delivers a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to identify a mole among the team from a group of five – among them is his own wife. Each performer are masters of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
