Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary examines the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore presents a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to presenting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from covering world issues to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, and other extremely wealthy passengers. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities through this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the youth anxious. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Chastain manages to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
