Top Selection
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to starring in a fitness program on television. Forced aside due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and terrifying process known as this experimental method. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively toxic connection among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery features Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from reporting on world issues to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills with this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has made the youth frightened. After Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he fears the worst. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet the lead actress achieves to depict the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks used by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a double agent among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
