Top Selection
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the tyranny of female beauty and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore offers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to hosting a fitness program on television. Pushed out due to her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from writing about international wars to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her partner, and other affluent guests. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has left the local kids anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. But the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry by the same director presents a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
