Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. Demi Moore offers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star demoted to presenting a workout series on TV. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and horrifying process titled the Substance. This generates a youthful duplicate portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from reporting on global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, as well as other affluent passengers. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities through this clever ghostly tale filmed completely from the viewpoint of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems protective of her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the local kids frightened. Once Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, while the prescient dreams of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, bad makeup and insincerity, yet the lead actress succeeds to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This period's second offering by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as precise similar to the collars sported by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a mole within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
