Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to starring in a fitness program on television. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying treatment called this experimental method. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery features the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from writing about international wars to board a luxury cruise with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries with this innovative supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has rendered the children anxious. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, however Chastain achieves to depict the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
