Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the oppressive nature of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers an inspired performance as Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This generates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from writing about world issues to board an opulent ship with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, as well as other filthy rich guests. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries through this clever supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the youth anxious. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. Yet the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, however the lead actress achieves to present the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as tight similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
