Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary examines the demanding standards for women's appearance and the feared consequences of ageing. The veteran actress offers a masterful performance in the role of Elisabeth, an aging film star forced into hosting a workout series on television. Pushed out due to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a mysterious and gruesome procedure known as "The Substance". This generates a younger clone called Sue, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story features the talented actress as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take some time off from writing about global conflict to board an opulent ship alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her husband, and other extremely wealthy individuals. Yet once an unknown lady disappears from the ship during the evening and the entire crew denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Available now, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries in this innovative supernatural story captured wholly through the eyes of the phantom. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the camera – AKA the Presence – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and it seems guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, multiple showings, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image via this autobiographical spoof. He acts as a self-obsessed celebrity named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for billionaire superfan Javi. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unconventional method is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has rendered the youth frightened. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. Yet the non-functional line on the wall continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for greed in this director's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed TV preacher plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. Both individuals begin monetising the nation's religious faith. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and insincerity, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, early morning, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars used by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Both actors are masters of understated style, so a delicious mind game of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
