Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to starring in a workout series on television. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from reporting on international wars to embark on a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, and other filthy rich passengers. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this clever ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the local kids frightened. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. But the non-functional line in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Chastain manages to depict the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry by the same director presents a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
