Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring satire addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a masterful portrayal playing Elisabeth, a mature actress reduced to presenting a workout series on the small screen. Edged out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she turns to an enigmatic and gruesome treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, leading to a steadily more toxic connection between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story features Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from writing about international wars to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, plus additional affluent guests. However when an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this innovative paranormal narrative captured wholly from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a sequel. Located in 1978 Denver, a series of disappearances has made the youth on edge. Once Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a basement, he fears a terrible outcome. But the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares of Gwen, his sister might rescue him. An effective horror. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky true story of the disgraced televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims early on, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals set about capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. October 14th, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a intelligence thriller as sharp as the polo necks used by Fassbender's intelligence officer. His assignment is to discover a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – including is his spouse. Both actors are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful psychological game of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
