Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring commentary addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to presenting a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery features Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from covering global conflict to join a luxury cruise alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, plus additional affluent guests. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries with this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1978 Denver, several disappearances has made the children on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he dreads the worst. But the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however the lead actress achieves to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
