Top Selection
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching satire tackles the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying process known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from writing about global conflict to join an opulent ship with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy individuals. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this clever ghostly tale captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to attend a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has left the local kids on edge. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the nation's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain manages to present the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as sharp similar to the collars used by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent among the team from a group of five – including is his own wife. The two stars are experts of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
