Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore offers a brilliant portrayal playing Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into starring in a workout series on television. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying treatment known as this experimental method. This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller includes the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from covering global conflict to join a high-end voyage alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other affluent passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this nifty supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has rendered the youth on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he fears the worst. However, the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress succeeds to present the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars worn by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – including is his spouse. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
