Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying treatment called "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story features Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from writing about world issues to embark on a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional filthy rich individuals. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities in this clever ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has rendered the local kids on edge. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. But the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however the lead actress succeeds to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars worn by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
