Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching satire examines the tyranny of women's appearance and the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore offers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity reduced to presenting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying process called the Substance. This produces a younger clone named Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery stars the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from reporting on world issues to board a high-end voyage with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, as well as other filthy rich guests. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries with this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has made the local kids anxious. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. But the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, however the lead actress succeeds to show the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – among them is his own wife. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
