Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the demanding standards for female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress offers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to presenting a fitness program on TV. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome process called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story features Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from writing about global conflict to board an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills with this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has rendered the children anxious. After Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he fears the worst. But the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, yet the lead actress manages to present the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's additional entry by the same director is a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. The two stars excel of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
