Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire addresses the tyranny of female beauty along with the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome procedure titled "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate named Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from reporting on world issues to board an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, and other affluent passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills in this nifty supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has made the youth on edge. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain manages to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a traitor among the team from a group of five – among them is his spouse. The two stars excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
