Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the tyranny of women's appearance along with the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress presents an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into starring in a fitness program on TV. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery stars the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to join an opulent ship with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, plus additional affluent individuals. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that remains concise, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical film star playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the children on edge. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, however the lead actress achieves to depict the character in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks sported by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a mole inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
