Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore offers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying procedure known as the Substance. This produces a younger clone named Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from reporting on global conflict to board a luxury cruise with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, and other affluent passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries in this clever supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage fully commits to his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has made the youth anxious. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, though Chastain manages to present the character with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a mole among the team out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. Each performer excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
