Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold satire tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to starring in a workout series on television. Edged out due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes the talented actress playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from writing about global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities in this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical celebrity playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has made the local kids frightened. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release by the same director delivers a espionage tale as precise similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a mole among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are experts of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
