Top Selection
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring satire examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to starring in a fitness program on television. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and gruesome procedure called this experimental method. This produces a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit mystery includes the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from reporting on world issues to join a high-end voyage with a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries with this nifty paranormal narrative filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this meta comedy caper. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has left the local kids frightened. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. But the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Jessica Chastain manages to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This week's additional entry by the same director is a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to identify a mole within their ranks from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. The supporting cast take part the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, the Sky channel
