Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to starring in a fitness program on TV. Edged out due to her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying process called "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a steadily more toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from covering international wars to embark on a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other affluent guests. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries in this clever supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has rendered the local kids on edge. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he dreads the worst. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in this director's wonderfully garish true story about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple set about profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet the lead actress succeeds to present the real-life figure with compassion. October 14th, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering by the same director delivers a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks worn by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
