Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary tackles the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome procedure called "The Substance". This creates a younger clone named Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from covering international wars to board an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her husband, and other filthy rich guests. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities through this nifty supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed film star named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the alleged criminal, his unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the children frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. But the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, and the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence monetising the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet the lead actress manages to depict Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's another release by the same director is a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – including is his own wife. Both actors are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
