Top Selection
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of advancing years. Demi Moore delivers a masterful portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and gruesome process called "The Substance". This generates a younger clone called Sue, resulting in a steadily more vampiric relationship between the two. This Friday, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful thriller features the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes some time off from reporting on global conflict to join an opulent ship with an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy guests. However when a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries with this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. Chloe seems conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom via this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a celebration in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. This Saturday, 9pm, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the youth anxious. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he anticipates a terrible outcome. But the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. Andrew Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who states at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the people's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, though the lead actress achieves to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's second offering by the same director is a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks used by Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a mole inside the organization from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Each performer are masters of understated style, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the smart espionage amusement. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
