Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress offers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying treatment called "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from covering world issues to embark on a high-end voyage with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, and other filthy rich passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities in this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the children frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to show the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, late night, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry by the same director delivers a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
