Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying procedure called "The Substance". This creates a younger clone called Sue, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a hiatus from reporting on international wars to embark on an opulent ship alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, as well as other affluent guests. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries with this nifty supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has rendered the local kids on edge. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. But the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress achieves to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry from the filmmaker delivers a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars sported by Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars excel of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. Additional actors take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
