Highlighted Choice
This Satirical Thriller
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome procedure titled "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly toxic connection among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from covering world issues to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, as well as other filthy rich guests. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries through this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a festive event in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has left the children frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he fears the worst. But the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet the lead actress manages to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks used by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. The two stars are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
