Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the demanding standards for female beauty and the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore presents a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying process called "The Substance". This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from writing about global conflict to join a luxury cruise alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other affluent passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities with this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the youth frightened. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress achieves to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
