Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress offers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into starring in a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying procedure called the Substance. This creates a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from reporting on international wars to embark on an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, as well as other affluent passengers. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities in this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a celebration in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has left the children on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads the worst. Yet the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple commence monetising the people's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, though Chastain succeeds to present the character with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release by the same director delivers a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a mole within their ranks from five suspects – including is his spouse. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
