Top Selection
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring critique addresses the demanding standards for women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into starring in a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out by her unscrupulous employer her manager Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome procedure titled the Substance. This produces a younger clone called Sue, resulting in a progressively vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a hiatus from writing about global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise alongside a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, and other filthy rich guests. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities through this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the camera – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, his unconventional method proves useful. October 11th, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the youth frightened. When Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a cellar, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line on the wall keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, as the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for greed in this director's wonderfully garish true story of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who states early on, asserting religious justification for riches. The couple set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of poor styling, bad makeup and insincerity, however Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This week's second offering by the same director presents a spy mystery as precise similar to the collars sported by the actor's British agent. His assignment is to identify a double agent within their ranks from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of understated style, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema
