Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to starring in an aerobics show on television. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying procedure titled the Substance. This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful mystery includes Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from writing about world issues to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional filthy rich individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries with this nifty ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has left the youth frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, though the lead actress achieves to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a intelligence thriller as tight similar to the collars sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to discover a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – among them is his own wife. Both actors are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
