Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique addresses the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to starring in a workout series on television. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from covering international wars to join a luxury cruise with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other affluent individuals. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has left the youth on edge. When Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, though the lead actress achieves to depict the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a mole among the team out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
