Highlighted Choice
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold commentary addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress delivers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into presenting a workout series on television. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying treatment called the Substance. This generates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from writing about international wars to board a luxury cruise with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional affluent individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this clever supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed film star playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has rendered the children on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. But the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin capitalizing on the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress succeeds to show the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars worn by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a double agent inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
