Highlighted Choice
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying treatment titled the Substance. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story stars Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from writing about international wars to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, and other affluent individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills in this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has made the children frightened. Once Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish true story about the fallen televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, however Chastain succeeds to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks used by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
