Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into presenting an aerobics show on television. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying process known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from writing about international wars to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, and other extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills in this nifty supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage embraces his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has left the children frightened. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. But the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by the actor's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
