Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the tyranny of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to presenting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying process known as this experimental method. This generates a younger clone called Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from writing about international wars to join an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, and other filthy rich individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities through this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has left the local kids frightened. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates the worst. Yet the non-functional line in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about monetising the people's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet Chastain manages to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry by the same director delivers a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
