Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress offers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity reduced to presenting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome process titled this experimental method. This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery includes Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from covering international wars to embark on an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional filthy rich individuals. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has left the local kids on edge. After Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however the lead actress achieves to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's another release by the same director is a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – among them is his own wife. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie develops. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
