Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into starring in a fitness program on television. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome treatment titled the Substance. This creates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery stars Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from covering international wars to board a luxury cruise alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other extremely wealthy passengers. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has rendered the children anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. But the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators offering help, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence monetising the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet the lead actress manages to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
