Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying process called the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from writing about world issues to join an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. However when an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries through this nifty supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has made the youth frightened. When Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though the lead actress achieves to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks used by the actor's British agent. He is tasked to discover a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, the Sky channel
