Highlighted Choice
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's unflinching satire tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress presents a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome process known as "The Substance". This generates a youthful duplicate called Sue, leading to an increasingly toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from covering world issues to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, as well as other extremely wealthy passengers. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities with this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has left the youth anxious. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. But the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however Jessica Chastain achieves to present the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent among the team out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. Each performer are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
