Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire addresses the demanding standards for female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress delivers an inspired performance as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to presenting a fitness program on television. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying treatment called the Substance. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story features the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to board an opulent ship with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, and other filthy rich individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries through this nifty supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a sequel. Located in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has made the children anxious. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a basement, he fears a fatal end. But the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor plays the venal Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, yet Chastain manages to show the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks sported by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
