Top Selection
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring satire examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Demi Moore offers an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star demoted to hosting a workout series on TV. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying process called the Substance. This produces a younger clone called Sue, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful story stars Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a break from reporting on international wars to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, plus additional filthy rich passengers. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries in this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the potential kingpin, his unique performing skills proves useful. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror stands strong without requiring a continuation. Set in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the local kids on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he fears a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence monetising the American public's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain manages to present the real-life figure with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's second offering by the same director presents a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is to identify a mole among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
