Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the tyranny of female beauty and the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress offers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into starring in a workout series on TV. Pushed out due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying process titled "The Substance". This generates a youthful duplicate called Sue, leading to an increasingly toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from reporting on global conflict to board 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 during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills in this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong even without a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has made the children frightened. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he fears the worst. Yet the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though Chastain achieves to present the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
