Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the tyranny of female beauty along with the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore presents a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity reduced to presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome process known as "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story features the talented actress playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from writing about global conflict to join a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities in this nifty supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage embraces his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has rendered the local kids on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though the lead actress succeeds to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry by the same director delivers a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
