Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the tyranny of women's appearance and the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to presenting a fitness program on television. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This creates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful mystery features Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from writing about international wars to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other affluent individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard overnight and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a celebration in Mallorca for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has rendered the local kids anxious. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. The actor plays the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, however the lead actress manages to present Tammy Faye with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's second offering by the same director is a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a traitor among the team from a group of five – including is his spouse. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
