Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary examines the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to starring in a fitness program on TV. Edged out due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly toxic connection between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story includes the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a hiatus from reporting on world issues to join an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, and other filthy rich individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries with this innovative ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed film star playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective even without a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has rendered the children frightened. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he fears the worst. Yet the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Chastain succeeds to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as precise like the turtlenecks used by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – including is his own wife. Both actors are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
