Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the tyranny of women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress offers an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying treatment titled the Substance. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from covering global conflict to join an opulent ship with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other affluent passengers. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this innovative supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has made the youth on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain achieves to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a traitor among the team from five suspects – among them is his own wife. The two stars are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
