Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring commentary tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into hosting a workout series on television. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying process titled "The Substance". This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from reporting on global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, and other affluent passengers. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this nifty supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic film star playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has rendered the youth anxious. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. But the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry by the same director is a espionage tale as tight similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
