Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold satire examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress offers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into starring in a workout series on television. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome process known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from covering world issues to join an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries in this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has left the local kids frightened. When Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Chastain achieves to show the real-life figure with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks used by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
