Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress presents a brilliant performance playing Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to hosting an aerobics show on TV. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and horrifying process known as "The Substance". This creates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller includes the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from writing about global conflict to join a high-end voyage with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, plus additional filthy rich guests. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Available now, Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries through this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. When a household featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor embraces his cult stardom via this autobiographical spoof. He plays a narcissistic film star called Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. October 11th, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's contained scarefest stands strong without requiring a continuation. Set in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has rendered the children on edge. When Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a basement, he anticipates the worst. But the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor plays the greedy Jim, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain achieves to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, late night, Film4
The Spy Mystery
The current week's another release by the same director presents a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. His assignment is to discover a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. The two stars excel of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
