Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring satire tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress presents an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into starring in a workout series on television. Edged out by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from writing about world issues to join a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, and other affluent passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities with this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the children on edge. Once Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet the lead actress achieves to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a traitor among the team from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
