Top Selection
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching critique addresses the demanding standards for female beauty and the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore delivers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, a mature celebrity reduced to starring in a workout series on television. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome procedure known as the Substance. This generates a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit mystery includes Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from covering global conflict to join an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, and other filthy rich individuals. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries with this innovative supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has left the youth on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Chastain succeeds to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's another release from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent among the team from five suspects – among them is his spouse. Both actors excel of understated style, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
