Highlighted Choice
This Satirical Thriller
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique addresses the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress presents a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome treatment called "The Substance". This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from covering global conflict to join a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries with this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? 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 fully commits to his unique fame in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has left the local kids on edge. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet the lead actress achieves to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
