Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold critique tackles the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to presenting a fitness program on television. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This generates a youthful duplicate named Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from reporting on global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, as well as other affluent individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities through this clever supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to spy on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has made the local kids frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence capitalizing on the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress manages to show the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, the Sky channel
