Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty as well as the perceived horrors of advancing years. The veteran actress presents an inspired performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging actress reduced to hosting an aerobics show on television. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and terrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a progressively toxic connection among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit story features Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a hiatus from covering international wars to board a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, and other filthy rich individuals. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities with this nifty supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – AKA the Presence – follows them around. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it looks like protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical film star called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration in Mallorca for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a follow-up. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, several kidnappings has left the youth on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Chastain manages to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's second offering from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as tight as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Both actors are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. The supporting cast participate the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
