Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary addresses the demanding standards for female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into presenting an aerobics show on television. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying procedure known as the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller includes Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from writing about world issues to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, plus additional filthy rich guests. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities through this nifty supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to spy on the alleged criminal, his unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the children frightened. Once Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. But the old telephone on the wall repeatedly calls, 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, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet Chastain achieves to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars sported by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a mole inside the organization from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
