Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity forced into presenting a workout series on television. Edged out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and gruesome procedure titled "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from writing about international wars to board a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other filthy rich passengers. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple disappearances has rendered the youth anxious. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, and the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain achieves to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. October 14th, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering by the same director is a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a mole within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. The two stars excel of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
