Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring satire examines the demanding standards for female beauty and the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from reporting on world issues to embark on a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has left the local kids frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though the lead actress succeeds to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a double agent among the team from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
