Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore presents a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to starring in a workout series on TV. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome process called "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller stars Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from covering global conflict to join a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional affluent passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has made the youth frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. But the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, though the lead actress manages to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
