Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore offers a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying procedure known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery includes Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from covering international wars to join a high-end voyage with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her partner, as well as other affluent guests. However when an enigmatic female falls into the sea one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this clever ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, his unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has made the children frightened. When Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he fears the worst. However, the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, bad makeup and hypocrisy, however the lead actress manages to present the character with compassion. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release from the filmmaker presents a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors excel of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
