Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the demanding standards for female beauty and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore presents an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to presenting a workout series on television. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and terrifying procedure called "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from reporting on world issues to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, and other extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills in this clever ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, his unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has rendered the youth anxious. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain manages to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
