Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress presents an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying treatment called "The Substance". This produces a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery features Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from covering global conflict to board an opulent ship with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, and other affluent guests. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities in this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has made the local kids on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. But the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals commence profiting from the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though Chastain achieves to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as tight like the turtlenecks used by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – among them is his spouse. The two stars excel of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
