Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold critique addresses the tyranny of female beauty and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress offers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into starring in a fitness program on the small screen. Edged out by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying procedure titled "The Substance". This produces a younger clone called Sue, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This classic whodunit thriller features Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from covering world issues to board an opulent ship with an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. However when a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this clever supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, multiple showings, the Sky channel
This Self-Referential Film
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He plays a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to investigate the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of child abductions has left the children frightened. Once Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a cellar, he dreads the worst. Yet the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, as the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen could save him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the venal Jim, who states at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about monetising the people's religious faith. It's a riot of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, however Chastain succeeds to present Tammy Faye with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from the filmmaker presents a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a mole among the team from five suspects – including is his spouse. The two stars are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
