Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique addresses the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome procedure known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from writing about world issues to board a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, and other extremely wealthy individuals. However when an enigmatic female falls into the sea one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities with this nifty supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a continuation. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has rendered the children on edge. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as sharp similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
