Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring critique examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to presenting a fitness program on TV. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome process known as "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller includes the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from reporting on world issues to board a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, and other extremely wealthy guests. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this clever ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the children anxious. When Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a basement, he dreads the worst. But the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though the lead actress achieves to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks used by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. The two stars are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
