Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring critique addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance along with the feared consequences of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into presenting an aerobics show on TV. 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 youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on world issues to board an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, and other filthy rich guests. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities through this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a continuation. Set in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has made the youth on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who declares initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress achieves to present Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor among the team from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
