Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching critique addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress presents a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into hosting an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying treatment called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from reporting on world issues to embark on a high-end voyage with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, plus additional affluent individuals. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has left the children frightened. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, yet the lead actress succeeds to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty takes place. 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
