Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into hosting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying procedure titled "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery includes Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from reporting on global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other affluent guests. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities with this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a celebration in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, his unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has made the youth anxious. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. But the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though the lead actress manages to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to identify a mole within their ranks from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie develops. 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 Premiere
