Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to starring in a workout series on television. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying treatment titled this experimental method. This generates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from writing about world issues to join a luxury cruise alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, plus additional affluent passengers. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries with this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has rendered the local kids anxious. When Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears the worst. Yet the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though the lead actress achieves to show the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's second offering from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars used by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent among the team from five suspects – among them is his spouse. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
