Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Edged out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying treatment called this experimental method. This generates a younger clone named Sue, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from writing about global conflict to join an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, and other filthy rich guests. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries with this clever supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical celebrity playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has left the youth frightened. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. However, the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain manages to depict Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars sported by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a double agent among the team from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
