Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into presenting an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome treatment called "The Substance". This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story features the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from writing about global conflict to join a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, plus additional affluent guests. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has left the youth on edge. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. But the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet Chastain succeeds to show the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's another release from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as tight similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
