Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold satire addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress offers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to presenting a workout series on television. Pushed out due to her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome process known as the Substance. This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful thriller includes the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from writing about world issues to join an opulent ship alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, and other affluent guests. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills with this nifty supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom in this autobiographical spoof. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has left the youth on edge. When Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. However, the old telephone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices offering help, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks sported by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a mole inside the organization from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
