Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress presents an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity reduced to starring in a fitness program on TV. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, she turns to a secretive and gruesome treatment titled this experimental method. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story stars Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a break from writing about global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional affluent individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this innovative supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage embraces his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the local kids frightened. After Finney gets captured by the villain and locked up in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain manages to depict the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
This Espionage Thriller
This period's another release by the same director is a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks sported by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
