Highlighted Choice
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress presents a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying treatment called the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller includes the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from reporting on international wars to embark on an opulent ship with an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional filthy rich guests. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries through this innovative supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the children on edge. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. But the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, though the lead actress achieves to depict the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
