Top Selection
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore presents a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to hosting a fitness program on television. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and terrifying treatment called this experimental method. This generates a younger clone called Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from reporting on world issues to board a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy passengers. But after a mysterious woman disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical film star playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has made the local kids anxious. When Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he fears the worst. However, the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet the lead actress succeeds to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as precise like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
