Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the tyranny of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to hosting a workout series on TV. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller features Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from covering world issues to board an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other affluent individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has left the local kids on edge. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. However, the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Chastain achieves to depict the character in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release by the same director presents a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks sported by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
