Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold satire tackles the tyranny of female beauty and the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to presenting an aerobics show on television. Pushed out by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying process known as "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from writing about global conflict to board a high-end voyage alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, and other affluent passengers. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to visit a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has left the local kids frightened. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he fears the worst. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin monetising the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Chastain succeeds to present Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. 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
