Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold satire addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of growing older. Demi Moore offers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity reduced to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying procedure called "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from covering world issues to join an opulent ship with an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities in this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has made the children on edge. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's British agent. His assignment is to discover a mole within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
