Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress offers a masterful acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to starring in a fitness program on television. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from writing about global conflict to board an opulent ship with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, and other extremely wealthy individuals. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities through this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the poltergeist, 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. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He portrays an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the alleged criminal, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a sequel. Located in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has rendered the local kids anxious. When Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, though the lead actress succeeds to depict the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as tight as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a mole within their ranks from five suspects – among them is his own wife. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
