Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore presents a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into hosting a fitness program on TV. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying procedure titled the Substance. This creates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from reporting on world issues to board a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, and other filthy rich guests. 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. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills in this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has left the children frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain manages to show the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering by the same director presents a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
