Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring satire examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore offers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to starring in a workout series on television. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying process known as "The Substance". This creates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery features Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from covering global conflict to join an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, as well as other filthy rich guests. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has made the children frightened. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he anticipates the worst. Yet the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Chastain achieves to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are experts of understated style, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
