Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring satire tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to hosting a workout series on television. Forced aside due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying procedure titled "The Substance". This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery features Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from writing about world issues to embark on an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other filthy rich passengers. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical film star playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, his unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has made the youth on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. Yet the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain achieves to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a traitor among the team from five suspects – including is his own wife. Both actors are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
