Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying process titled the Substance. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from covering world issues to embark on a high-end voyage with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional affluent passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities in this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has made the local kids anxious. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain achieves to depict the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
