Highlighted Choice
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity reduced to hosting a workout series on television. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying procedure titled the Substance. This creates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to an increasingly toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller features the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from covering world issues to join a high-end voyage with an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries in this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has left the children anxious. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he dreads the worst. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain manages to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
