Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching satire tackles the tyranny of female beauty along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into starring in an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and horrifying process called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from reporting on world issues to join an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, and other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries with this nifty supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical celebrity playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has made the children anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. However, the non-functional line in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators offering help, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, however the lead actress manages to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a mole among the team from five suspects – among them is his own wife. Each performer are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
