Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the tyranny of women's appearance and the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to presenting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying process called the Substance. This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a hiatus from reporting on international wars to join an opulent ship with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, as well as other affluent passengers. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has made the local kids anxious. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple commence profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, though the lead actress achieves to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as sharp similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
