Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching satire examines the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress offers a brilliant portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to hosting an aerobics show on television. Edged out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome treatment titled "The Substance". This creates a youthful duplicate called Sue, resulting in a progressively parasitic dynamic among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars Keira Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a break from reporting on international wars to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her partner, and other filthy rich individuals. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities with this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a $1m payday to visit a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, his unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller stands strong without requiring a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has left the youth on edge. After Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. But the non-functional line in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's delightfully tacky true story regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals commence monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, though the lead actress succeeds to show the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry by the same director delivers a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks worn by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, the Sky channel
