Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold commentary tackles the tyranny of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into presenting a workout series on TV. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying procedure called the Substance. This generates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit mystery includes Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a hiatus from writing about international wars to board a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries with this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has left the youth anxious. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. However, the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, however the lead actress achieves to depict the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor among the team from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
