Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into presenting a fitness program on TV. Forced aside thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome procedure called the Substance. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, leading to an increasingly toxic connection among both women. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who opts for some time off from writing about global conflict to board a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her spouse, and other affluent guests. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities with this clever supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well even without a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has rendered the local kids frightened. After Finney is taken by the villain and held captive in a basement, he dreads a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain achieves to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as tight similar to the collars used by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast join in the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
