Highlighted Choice
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into starring in a workout series on TV. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying procedure titled "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from covering world issues to board an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional affluent individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills with this clever supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has left the youth anxious. After Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain manages to depict the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release by the same director is a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
