Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the tyranny of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress offers an inspired portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into hosting a fitness program on TV. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying procedure called the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story includes the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from writing about world issues to join an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. However when an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries with this clever supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has made the children frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress succeeds to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release by the same director is a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks used by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are experts of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
