Top Selection
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to hosting an aerobics show on television. Edged out thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome treatment known as the Substance. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller features Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from covering world issues to join an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, plus additional affluent guests. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic film star playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, his unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has rendered the local kids anxious. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. But the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, though the lead actress succeeds to show the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's additional entry by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – including is his spouse. Both actors excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
