Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold satire examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore presents a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to presenting a fitness program on TV. Pushed out due to her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome process called "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in a progressively toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from writing about international wars to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, plus additional filthy rich guests. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this nifty supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his unique fame through this self-referential adventure. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has rendered the children anxious. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin monetising the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet Chastain manages to present the character in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars worn by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
