Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into hosting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome treatment called "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from covering world issues to embark on a luxury cruise alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, and other affluent guests. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries with this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has made the local kids anxious. When Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, however Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as sharp similar to the collars worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
