Top Selection
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying treatment called this experimental method. This produces a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller includes the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from covering global conflict to join an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich passengers. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities with this clever supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has rendered the local kids frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, though the lead actress manages to show the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a mole inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
