Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring critique examines the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to hosting a workout series on TV. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome procedure known as the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate named Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from covering world issues to join an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich guests. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries in this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has made the local kids on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he anticipates the worst. However, the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain manages to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks worn by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. Both actors are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
