Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore offers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, an aging celebrity reduced to hosting a workout series on television. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to an enigmatic and terrifying treatment known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from covering world issues to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, plus additional filthy rich passengers. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship one night and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his creative boundaries in this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image via this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a continuation. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, multiple child abductions has left the local kids on edge. When Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin capitalizing on the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, yet Chastain manages to show the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering by the same director presents a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars worn by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of understated style, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
