Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring critique tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore presents a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to hosting an aerobics show on television. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying treatment called the Substance. This creates a younger clone called Sue, leading to a steadily more toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes some time off from writing about world issues to join a luxury cruise with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, and other extremely wealthy passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities in this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong even without a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has rendered the youth anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks used by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission to discover a mole within their ranks from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
