Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into presenting a workout series on TV. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying treatment titled the Substance. This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from writing about world issues to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, and other filthy rich passengers. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills with this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely 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 filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has left the local kids on edge. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress manages to present the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
