Top Selection
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold commentary addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore offers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to starring in a workout series on television. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying process titled "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from writing about international wars to board a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, as well as other filthy rich passengers. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has left the children on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he anticipates the worst. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, though Chastain achieves to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's another release from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
