Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to hosting a workout series on TV. Pushed out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying procedure titled the Substance. This produces a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from reporting on international wars to embark on an opulent ship with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has rendered the local kids anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, though the lead actress achieves to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry by the same director delivers a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to identify a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
