Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold critique tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to presenting a workout series on TV. Forced aside due to her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying procedure called the Substance. This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller includes Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from reporting on global conflict to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, and other affluent passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries in this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has rendered the children anxious. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. But the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though the lead actress manages to present the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
