Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching critique tackles the tyranny of female beauty along with the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore delivers a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into hosting an aerobics show on television. Edged out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying procedure called the Substance. This creates a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story stars the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from writing about international wars to join a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, and other filthy rich passengers. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries in this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has rendered the local kids frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, though Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's second offering by the same director presents a spy mystery as sharp similar to the collars worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a mole among the team out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere