Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire tackles the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of advancing years. Demi Moore presents an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into presenting an aerobics show on television. Pushed out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome treatment known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery includes Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from writing about world issues to join a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, plus additional affluent individuals. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries with this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic film star playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has left the children anxious. Once Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he fears the worst. But the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin capitalizing on the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though the lead actress succeeds to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a mole within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Each performer are experts of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
