Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the tyranny of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to presenting a fitness program on TV. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome treatment called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery includes Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from covering world issues to join a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the youth frightened. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears the worst. However, the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the character in a likable light. October 14th, late night, Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole within their ranks from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
