Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the tyranny of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress offers an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity reduced to presenting a fitness program on television. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and horrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story includes the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to join a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional filthy rich guests. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities with this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has left the local kids on edge. Once Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain manages to depict the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is his own wife. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
