Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique tackles the oppressive nature of female beauty and the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress presents a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress demoted to presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside thanks to her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This generates a younger clone called Sue, resulting in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story includes Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to join an opulent ship alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, as well as other affluent individuals. However when an unknown lady falls into the sea one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence Film
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this nifty ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, the actor's unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller holds up well even without a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, several child abductions has made the youth frightened. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears the worst. Yet the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with spooky callers offering help, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister could save him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish true story about the fallen TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however Jessica Chastain manages to present the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's additional entry by the same director delivers a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks sported by the actor's intelligence officer. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of calm composure, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
