Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore presents a brilliant portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a steadily more toxic connection between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from writing about international wars to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional filthy rich passengers. But after a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this innovative ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the local kids anxious. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, nighttime, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain manages to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks sported by Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors excel of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
