Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the tyranny of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and gruesome process called "The Substance". This creates a younger clone called Sue, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to board an opulent ship with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, and other affluent individuals. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities through this clever ghostly tale shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a continuation. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the youth anxious. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, however the lead actress succeeds to present the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a double agent among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
