Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to presenting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from reporting on international wars to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, and other filthy rich individuals. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the children on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Chastain manages to present the real-life figure with compassion. October 14th, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry by the same director presents a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
