Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore offers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into hosting a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying process titled this experimental method. This generates a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to board a luxury cruise alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, as well as other affluent individuals. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this clever ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has made the youth anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. But the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor plays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though the lead actress achieves to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks sported by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. Both actors excel of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
