Top Selection
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty and the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore presents a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to hosting a workout series on TV. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying process called the Substance. This creates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from writing about world issues to board an opulent ship alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich passengers. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has made the children anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. But the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet Chastain manages to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
