Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold critique examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into hosting a workout series on TV. Pushed out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying procedure called the Substance. This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from writing about international wars to join an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, plus additional affluent individuals. However when a mysterious woman disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has made the youth frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears the worst. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain achieves to show the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks sported by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
