Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary tackles the tyranny of female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress delivers an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to presenting a fitness program on television. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying treatment called this experimental method. This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from reporting on world issues to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, and other extremely wealthy passengers. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has left the children frightened. When Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a basement, he fears the worst. However, the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who states initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple commence monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Chastain manages to present the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks used by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – including is his spouse. Both actors are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
