Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a brilliant performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to hosting a fitness program on TV. Edged out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying treatment known as the Substance. This creates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from covering world issues to board a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her spouse, and other affluent guests. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and everyone denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities in this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He acts as an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to attend a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several disappearances has rendered the youth on edge. Once Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, though Chastain achieves to depict the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
