Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold satire addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to presenting a workout series on TV. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome procedure known as this experimental method. This produces a younger clone called Sue, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery includes Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from covering international wars to board an opulent ship with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, plus additional filthy rich passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has left the children on edge. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain achieves to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's second offering by the same director is a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
