Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to hosting an aerobics show on television. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying process titled this experimental method. This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story stars Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from covering world issues to join a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional filthy rich passengers. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard one night and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills with this nifty supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has left the children on edge. When Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet the lead actress achieves to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's another release from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – including is his own wife. The two stars are masters of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie develops. Additional actors take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
