Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring critique tackles the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress offers a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying procedure known as the Substance. This creates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from reporting on international wars to board an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich individuals. However when a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills with this clever ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has made the youth anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. But the non-functional line in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This period's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as sharp similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a traitor among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
