Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly toxic connection among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from reporting on international wars to join a luxury cruise with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities through this clever ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has made the youth on edge. After Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears the worst. However, the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, however the lead actress manages to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker is a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a mole inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
