Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary addresses the demanding standards for female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore offers a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into starring in a workout series on television. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from covering international wars to board a luxury cruise with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, and other affluent individuals. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills with this clever ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the children frightened. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. But the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is his own wife. The two stars are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors take part the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
