Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress presents a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into starring in a fitness program on TV. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome procedure titled the Substance. This generates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story features the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from writing about international wars to join a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills with this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the youth frightened. After Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a basement, he dreads the worst. But the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
