Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the demanding standards for female beauty and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress offers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into starring in an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome treatment called the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller features Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities in this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the local kids anxious. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though the lead actress succeeds to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks sported by the actor's British agent. He is tasked to discover a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – including is his own wife. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
