Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the tyranny of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into presenting a fitness program on TV. Forced aside due to her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying procedure known as this experimental method. This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story stars the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from writing about international wars to join an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other affluent passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries through this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a sequel. Located in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has left the children anxious. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though Chastain succeeds to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are experts of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
