Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary examines the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress forced into presenting a fitness program on TV. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a secretive and horrifying procedure called the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit story includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from writing about international wars to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, and other extremely wealthy individuals. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities in this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic film star playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy superfan Javi. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, the actor's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective even without a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several disappearances has rendered the children on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. But the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators offering help, and the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, though the lead actress achieves to show Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering from the filmmaker delivers a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks worn by the actor's intelligence officer. His assignment is with uncovering a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie develops. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
