Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying treatment titled the Substance. This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a hiatus from writing about international wars to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, and other affluent passengers. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries with this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical film star playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has left the local kids frightened. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. However, the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though the lead actress succeeds to depict the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's second offering by the same director presents a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a mole within their ranks from a group of five – including is his spouse. The two stars excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie develops. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
