Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress presents an inspired performance as Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into presenting a workout series on television. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and horrifying procedure known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery includes Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from writing about international wars to embark on a luxury cruise with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, and other affluent guests. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills in this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical celebrity playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has left the children on edge. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he fears the worst. Yet the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however Chastain achieves to present Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a mole among the team out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
