Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty and the perceived horrors of advancing years. Demi Moore offers a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into hosting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out by her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes a mysterious and horrifying process known as this experimental method. This generates a new version of herself portrayed by Margaret Qualley, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on world issues to board a high-end voyage with a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, plus additional affluent guests. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities with this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor fully commits to his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by government spies to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, several disappearances has left the local kids on edge. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a cellar, he dreads a fatal end. But the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in this director's wonderfully garish biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Garfield plays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye set about monetising the people's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain manages to depict Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This week's another release from the filmmaker delivers a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a mole within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors excel of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. The supporting cast take part the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
