Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire tackles the tyranny of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress presents a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying procedure called the Substance. This generates a younger clone called Sue, leading to a steadily more toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from covering international wars to board an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, and other affluent guests. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities in this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has rendered the children anxious. When Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet Chastain manages to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole among the team from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
