Top Selection
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the demanding standards for female beauty and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to hosting a fitness program on television. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome procedure called "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller includes the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from covering world issues to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, and other filthy rich passengers. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities in this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame in this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
The director's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of disappearances has left the youth on edge. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release by the same director delivers a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a mole within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
