Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying process called the Substance. This produces a younger clone named Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller features the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from writing about world issues to embark on a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, as well as other affluent individuals. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has made the local kids frightened. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about profiting from the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Chastain succeeds to show the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks used by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – including is his spouse. Each performer are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
