Top Selection
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching satire tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress offers a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to starring in an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying process known as the Substance. This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly toxic connection among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story stars the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from covering world issues to board a luxury cruise with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, as well as other filthy rich individuals. But after a mysterious woman falls into the sea one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities with this clever ghostly tale captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his unique performing skills comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, a series of child abductions has rendered the children frightened. When Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he dreads the worst. However, the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple begin monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Chastain manages to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are masters of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
