Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching critique examines the demanding standards for female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity reduced to hosting a workout series on TV. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying treatment called this experimental method. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery stars Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from reporting on world issues to board a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, and other extremely wealthy guests. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries through this clever ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his eccentric image in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has rendered the youth frightened. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. But the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, however Chastain manages to depict the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
