Highlighted Choice
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's unflinching satire examines the tyranny of female beauty and the feared consequences of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome treatment titled "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from reporting on world issues to board an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, as well as other filthy rich individuals. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the children on edge. After Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain manages to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to identify a mole among the team out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
