Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore offers a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying treatment known as the Substance. This produces a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Keira Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from covering global conflict to join an opulent ship with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, and other filthy rich guests. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries with this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the youth anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, however the lead actress achieves to depict the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a double agent inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
