Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching satire examines the tyranny of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore offers an inspired performance as Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying process called the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller features the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from reporting on international wars to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, as well as other affluent passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this clever paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has left the youth frightened. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in this director's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, however Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks sported by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
