Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the demanding standards for women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress offers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into presenting a workout series on TV. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This produces a younger clone named Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from writing about world issues to embark on a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, as well as other affluent individuals. Yet once an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries with this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple disappearances has made the youth anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. But the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain achieves to depict the character with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a mole inside the organization from five suspects – among them is his spouse. Both actors are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
