Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to presenting an aerobics show on television. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying procedure titled the Substance. This creates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from writing about international wars to board a high-end voyage with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy guests. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his directorial skills with this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has made the children on edge. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates the worst. But the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain manages to show the character as a sympathetic figure. October 14th, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
