Top Selection
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary examines the demanding standards for women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to starring in a fitness program on television. Edged out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome procedure known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in an increasingly toxic connection between them. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit mystery features Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a hiatus from covering international wars to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, and other extremely wealthy individuals. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills through this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage embraces his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who accepts a $1m payday to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has made the youth frightened. When Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he fears a fatal end. But the disconnected phone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the people's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet the lead actress succeeds to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
