Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to starring in an aerobics show on television. Edged out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying treatment titled the Substance. This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from reporting on international wars to join a luxury cruise alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries in this nifty supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has left the local kids anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he fears the worst. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, and the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, though the lead actress succeeds to present the character with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his spouse. The two stars are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
