Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore offers an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to presenting a workout series on TV. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and terrifying treatment called the Substance. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from reporting on world issues to embark on a luxury cruise alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest remains effective even without a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has left the local kids on edge. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. But the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, yet the lead actress manages to depict the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks used by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a mole among the team from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
