Highlighted Choice
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty and the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into hosting a workout series on TV. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and horrifying treatment called this experimental method. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from covering international wars to join an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, and other filthy rich guests. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries through this clever ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror holds up well even without a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has rendered the youth on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he fears the worst. But the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain manages to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars worn by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
