Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to presenting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome treatment called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful mystery features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from covering international wars to board a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy guests. But after an unknown lady goes overboard one night and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries through this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the local kids on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain manages to depict the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks used by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
