Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold satire examines the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress delivers a brilliant performance as Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into presenting an aerobics show on TV. Pushed out by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a younger clone called Sue, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from writing about world issues to embark on an opulent ship accompanied by a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, and other filthy rich passengers. But after an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this nifty paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has rendered the youth on edge. When Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the non-functional line in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices providing assistance, as the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky true story about the fallen TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the corrupt Bakker, who states early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence capitalizing on the people's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by the actor's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a mole within their ranks from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
