Highlighted Choice
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's daring critique examines the demanding standards for women's appearance along with the feared consequences of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying treatment titled the Substance. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from writing about international wars to board a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills in this nifty supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic film star playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has rendered the youth on edge. Once Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin monetising the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, though Chastain achieves to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks used by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
