Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold critique examines the tyranny of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity forced into presenting a workout series on TV. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and terrifying treatment titled the Substance. This creates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller features Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from covering global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and everyone denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this clever paranormal narrative filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed film star playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the local kids frightened. After Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, as the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story about the fallen religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims early on, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain manages to depict the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's another release from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to discover a double agent among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
