Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary examines the tyranny of women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into starring in an aerobics show on TV. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying treatment known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from writing about global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities with this clever supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a festive event in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror holds up well even without a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has made the children frightened. After Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads the worst. However, the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however the lead actress achieves to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry by the same director is a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his own wife. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
