Top Selection
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress presents a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity demoted to presenting an aerobics show on television. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying procedure titled the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to an increasingly toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller features Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from reporting on world issues to board an opulent ship alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, and other affluent individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has made the youth anxious. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet the lead actress manages to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker presents a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a mole within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
