Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome process known as the Substance. This generates a younger clone named Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller features Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from covering international wars to board an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, as well as other extremely wealthy passengers. However when an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills with this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, his unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a sequel. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has rendered the children anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. But the disconnected phone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain achieves to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's another release by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars used by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – among them is his spouse. Each performer excel of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
