Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique tackles the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress presents a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to presenting a workout series on TV. Pushed out due to her deceitful superior Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying process titled "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself named Sue, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story features the talented actress in the role of Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from covering international wars to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich passengers. However when an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries through this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has made the local kids on edge. After Finney gets captured by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he anticipates the worst. However, the disconnected phone on the wall repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals commence monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however the lead actress achieves to present the real-life figure as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This period's another release from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a mole inside the organization from five suspects – one of whom is his spouse. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
