Highlighted Choice
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's bold satire addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress presents an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into hosting an aerobics show on television. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying process called the Substance. This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from reporting on international wars to board a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other filthy rich individuals. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities through this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has left the local kids anxious. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers offering help, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in this director's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, however the lead actress manages to present the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars sported by the actor's British agent. His assignment is to discover a mole within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
