Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress presents a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star reduced to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome procedure called the Substance. This creates a younger clone named Sue, leading to an increasingly toxic connection among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful story features Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take some time off from writing about global conflict to join an opulent ship with an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her partner, plus additional affluent passengers. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and everyone claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his film-making abilities through this nifty supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his cult stardom in this meta comedy caper. He plays an egotistical film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has left the local kids anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and locked up in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone mounted nearby repeatedly calls, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for materialism in Michael Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about capitalizing on the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, though Jessica Chastain manages to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, early morning, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as tight like the turtlenecks used by Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a traitor inside the organization from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction develops. Additional actors participate the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, various showings, the Sky channel
