Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying procedure called the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller includes Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from writing about international wars to embark on a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities in this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical film star playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's locked-room horror holds up well even without a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the local kids on edge. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he fears a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, though Chastain succeeds to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering by the same director delivers a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent among the team from five suspects – including is his own wife. Each performer are masters of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
