Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the demanding standards for female beauty and the feared consequences of advancing years. Demi Moore presents a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to hosting a workout series on television. Forced aside due to her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying treatment titled the Substance. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from reporting on global conflict to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills with this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a festive event in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the children frightened. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. But the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in this director's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about monetising the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain achieves to present the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
