Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore offers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into presenting a fitness program on TV. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome procedure known as "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story features Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from writing about international wars to board an opulent ship with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, and other filthy rich guests. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to spy on the alleged criminal, his unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has made the children anxious. After Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. However, the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress succeeds to present the character with compassion. October 14th, late night, Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks sported by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie develops. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
