Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into presenting a fitness program on TV. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome procedure known as this experimental method. This produces a younger clone named Sue, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful mystery features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from reporting on global conflict to join a high-end voyage alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, and other filthy rich guests. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this nifty supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to attend a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong even without a continuation. Located in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has made the youth frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. However, the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence profiting from the people's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however the lead actress manages to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a mole among the team from five suspects – among them is his own wife. Each performer are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
