Highlighted Choice
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore presents a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity reduced to presenting a workout series on television. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from reporting on international wars to join a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, and other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills with this innovative supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has rendered the children anxious. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he fears the worst. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about monetising the people's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, though the lead actress manages to show the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars used by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to identify a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – including is his own wife. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
