Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold critique examines the demanding standards for female beauty and the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress delivers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to hosting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying procedure titled the Substance. This generates a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from reporting on world issues to board an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy individuals. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills in this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the children anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin profiting from the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though the lead actress manages to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks sported by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a mole among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
