Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore delivers an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into presenting a workout series on TV. Pushed out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This generates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story includes the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from writing about international wars to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, as well as other affluent passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective even without a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has left the children anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though the lead actress achieves to present the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as sharp similar to the collars worn by the actor's British agent. He is tasked to identify a mole within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars excel of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
