Top Selection
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring satire addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty and the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and terrifying treatment known as this experimental method. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery stars Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to board an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, and other affluent guests. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this innovative supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has left the local kids frightened. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor among the team from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
