Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into hosting a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying process titled the Substance. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a hiatus from covering international wars to embark on a high-end voyage with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea one night and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Available now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this innovative supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has made the youth anxious. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, however Chastain achieves to present the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release by the same director presents a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
