Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into hosting a fitness program on TV. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome treatment known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from reporting on world issues to join an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, and other filthy rich guests. However when an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this innovative supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a sequel. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has made the youth on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. However, the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of understated style, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
