Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress presents an inspired performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to presenting an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery features Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from reporting on world issues to embark on a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other filthy rich passengers. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity take over. Available now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills with this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage embraces his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has made the children frightened. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices providing assistance, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, though the lead actress achieves to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
