Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of growing older. Demi Moore presents a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to starring in a workout series on television. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and horrifying procedure titled the Substance. This generates a younger clone called Sue, leading to a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story stars the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from reporting on international wars to embark on an opulent ship alongside a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other filthy rich individuals. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this nifty supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears sensing the poltergeist, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a celebration in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest stands strong even without a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has left the youth anxious. Once Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, though the lead actress achieves to depict the character in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering by the same director is a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks used by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
