Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance and the perceived horrors of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to presenting a fitness program on television. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome treatment titled the Substance. This generates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from reporting on world issues to embark on an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, plus additional affluent passengers. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities in this clever supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to visit a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several child abductions has rendered the youth anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he fears a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, though Chastain manages to show the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker is a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent among the team from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
