Top Selection
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the demanding standards for female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress presents a brilliant portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to hosting a workout series on TV. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying procedure called "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from writing about international wars to board a luxury cruise with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, as well as other extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities in this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has rendered the local kids anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the corrupt Bakker, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals set about profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and insincerity, however the lead actress manages to depict the character in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's another release from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
