Top Selection
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold critique examines the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress presents a brilliant acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a mature actress demoted to hosting a workout series on TV. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and terrifying procedure titled the Substance. This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit thriller includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who takes a break from covering global conflict to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy passengers. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills in this nifty supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the spirit. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed film star playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, his unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest stands strong even without a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has rendered the children frightened. Once Finney is taken by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. But the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with spooky callers giving advice, and the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though the lead actress manages to present the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a mole inside the organization from five suspects – including is his own wife. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
