Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the tyranny of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into hosting a fitness program on TV. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This generates a youthful duplicate named Sue, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from reporting on world issues to join an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, as well as other affluent guests. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities through this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage embraces his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the youth frightened. Once Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a basement, he fears the worst. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Chastain manages to present the real-life figure in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a traitor among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer excel of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
