Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching critique examines the demanding standards for women's appearance and the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to hosting a fitness program on TV. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome procedure called this experimental method. This creates a younger clone called Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from writing about global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy passengers. However when an enigmatic female falls into the sea one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills in this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has rendered the children on edge. After Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain manages to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering by the same director is a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a mole inside the organization from a group of five – including is his spouse. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
