Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the demanding standards for female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into presenting a workout series on TV. Forced aside thanks to her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying procedure titled "The Substance". This generates a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story features the talented actress as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from covering world issues to embark on a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and donor, her partner, and other filthy rich individuals. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities in this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and it seems guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to visit a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has rendered the youth anxious. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a basement, he dreads the worst. But the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple commence monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain achieves to show the character in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to discover a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – among them is his own wife. The two stars excel of calm composure, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
