Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into presenting an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome procedure titled "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller features Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from writing about world issues to join an opulent ship with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities through this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to visit a festive event in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has made the local kids anxious. After Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in this director's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals commence monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however Chastain manages to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry by the same director is a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars used by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is with uncovering a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors excel of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
