Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary examines the demanding standards for female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress presents an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity reduced to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome procedure called this experimental method. This produces a younger clone called Sue, resulting in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller features Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from covering international wars to embark on a luxury cruise alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, and other filthy rich individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this nifty supernatural story shot entirely from the perspective of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has left the local kids anxious. Once Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a cellar, he fears a fatal end. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for greed in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, however Chastain achieves to depict the character in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a traitor among the team out of five possibilities – including is his own wife. The two stars excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
