Highlighted Choice
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's unflinching satire tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to starring in a fitness program on television. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying procedure titled the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from writing about world issues to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills with this clever ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has left the children anxious. When Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a basement, he fears a fatal end. But the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, though Chastain achieves to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – including is his spouse. Both actors excel of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
