Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the tyranny of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from writing about global conflict to join an opulent ship with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, plus additional affluent passengers. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills with this clever supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has rendered the youth anxious. Once Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering by the same director is a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
