Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the tyranny of feminine aesthetics and the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress offers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old actress reduced to presenting a fitness program on television. Pushed out due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she turns to a secretive and terrifying procedure known as the Substance. This generates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic between them. October 17th, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This classic whodunit story stars the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from covering global conflict to board a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional affluent passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and all passengers insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director tests his directorial skills with this clever ghostly tale captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and it seems defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of disappearances has made the children anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone in the room continues to ring, with eerie communicators offering help, and the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, nighttime, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. Both individuals begin monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of poor styling, bad makeup and bad faith, however Chastain manages to present Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry by the same director delivers a espionage tale as precise as the polo necks worn by the actor's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer excel of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of truth or lie develops. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
