Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring satire addresses the tyranny of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to hosting an aerobics show on television. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and gruesome treatment titled the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from writing about world issues to embark on a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, and other filthy rich guests. But after an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this clever ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Located in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has left the local kids on edge. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the venal Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain manages to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release by the same director delivers a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a traitor among the team from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Both actors are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
