Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching critique tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying process titled this experimental method. This produces a youthful duplicate called Sue, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from writing about world issues to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, and other extremely wealthy guests. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well even without a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the children anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall continues to ring, with ghostly voices providing assistance, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about profiting from the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Chastain manages to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's another release from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – including is his spouse. Both actors are experts of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
