Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary addresses the demanding standards for female beauty and the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress offers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Edged out due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes a secretive and horrifying treatment known as the Substance. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery features Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take a break from reporting on international wars to join a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, plus additional affluent guests. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills in this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like defensive toward her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom through this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has rendered the children frightened. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain succeeds to present the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as sharp similar to the collars used by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission to identify a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
