Top Selection
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the demanding standards for female beauty and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress presents a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity reduced to hosting an aerobics show on television. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome treatment titled "The Substance". This generates a youthful duplicate named Sue, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story stars Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a hiatus from writing about global conflict to join a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional affluent guests. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries through this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has rendered the children frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the non-functional line on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to show the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
