Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into presenting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying process titled "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from reporting on global conflict to join an opulent ship with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, plus additional filthy rich passengers. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities in this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has left the children frightened. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears the worst. Yet the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Chastain achieves to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a mole within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer excel of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
