Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique examines the oppressive nature of female beauty and the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to hosting a workout series on TV. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying process called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from covering international wars to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional affluent passengers. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a sequel. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has left the children on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads the worst. However, the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, as the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals commence monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain achieves to present the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release by the same director delivers a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks used by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
