Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring critique addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress presents an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate named Sue, culminating in a steadily more toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller stars Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from writing about global conflict to join a luxury cruise with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, and other extremely wealthy passengers. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills with this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed film star playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has made the children on edge. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor plays the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though the lead actress manages to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars sported by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
