Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching commentary examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore delivers a brilliant acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to hosting an aerobics show on the small screen. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying treatment called the Substance. This creates a new version of herself named Sue, culminating in a progressively toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from writing about world issues to join a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her husband, as well as other affluent passengers. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries through this innovative supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest holds up well even without a follow-up. Set in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has made the children frightened. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he dreads the worst. However, the old telephone on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, as the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple commence monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Chastain manages to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a espionage tale as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by the actor's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole within their ranks from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of calm composure, resulting in an engaging mind game of truth or lie takes place. The supporting cast join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
