Highlighted Choice
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress presents an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome procedure titled "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate named Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from covering global conflict to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries with this innovative supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic film star playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the children on edge. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. But the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet the lead actress manages to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as tight similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
