Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress offers an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying process titled "The Substance". This produces a younger clone called Sue, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story includes Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from covering international wars to join an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, plus additional affluent passengers. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage fully commits to his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has rendered the youth on edge. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he dreads the worst. Yet the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Chastain succeeds to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to discover a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
