Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of ageing. Demi Moore offers a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into presenting a fitness program on TV. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and gruesome process known as "The Substance". This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a progressively toxic connection among both women. This Friday, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story stars Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from covering world issues to embark on a luxury cruise with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, and other affluent passengers. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries through this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their recent residence, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple kidnappings has rendered the youth frightened. After Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the people's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain succeeds to show Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks worn by the actor's British agent. He is tasked to discover a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
