Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold critique examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of advancing years. Demi Moore presents a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into starring in a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery includes the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from writing about world issues to board a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, and other affluent individuals. However when a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities with this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the local kids frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin monetising the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, though the lead actress manages to depict the character in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks used by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
