Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring satire addresses the tyranny of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to hosting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying procedure titled this experimental method. This generates a younger clone named Sue, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story includes Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from covering world issues to board an opulent ship with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, and other extremely wealthy passengers. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries through this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has made the youth frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads the worst. However, the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, yet the lead actress manages to depict the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker is a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
