Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying treatment titled the Substance. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from reporting on global conflict to board a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, and other filthy rich individuals. However when an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, several disappearances has rendered the youth anxious. When Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, though Chastain achieves to depict Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is his own wife. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
