Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of growing older. Demi Moore delivers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature film star forced into starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying process titled "The Substance". This generates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller features Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from writing about international wars to board a luxury cruise alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills with this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
The director's contained scarefest stands strong even without a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the local kids on edge. After Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. But the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers offering help, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet the lead actress succeeds to depict the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – including is his own wife. Each performer are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
