Highlighted Choice
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's daring commentary addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress presents a brilliant portrayal playing Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying process called "The Substance". This generates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller features Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from writing about global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional affluent guests. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries through this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has left the youth anxious. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. Yet the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain achieves to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry by the same director is a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks used by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a traitor among the team from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of understated style, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
