The filmmaker's unflinching critique tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying process titled the Substance. This creates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This suspenseful story features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to board a luxury cruise with an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, and other filthy rich passengers. However when an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the local kids frightened. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he fears the worst. But the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain manages to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
Maya Chen is a tech journalist and lifestyle blogger with over a decade of experience covering digital trends and cultural shifts.
