Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to hosting a fitness program on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and horrifying process titled "The Substance". This generates a younger clone called Sue, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story features the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from covering international wars to join an opulent ship alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities in this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has made the local kids anxious. Once Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he fears the worst. However, the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about monetising the people's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, though the lead actress achieves to present the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
