Top Selection
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's daring critique examines the tyranny of women's appearance along with the perceived horrors of growing older. Demi Moore delivers a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, an aging actress forced into presenting an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes a secretive and gruesome treatment known as "The Substance". This generates a younger clone named Sue, leading to a progressively toxic connection among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery includes Keira Knightley in the role of Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from covering world issues to join a high-end voyage accompanied by a terminally ill Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional affluent guests. But after an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and everyone insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh challenges his directorial skills through this clever paranormal narrative captured wholly through the eyes of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their fresh home, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears sensing the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, with a twist that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor playing himself who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to spy on the potential kingpin, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple kidnappings has made the youth anxious. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a terrible outcome. However, the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Michael Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who states early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress succeeds to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is with uncovering a mole among the team out of five possibilities – including is his own wife. Each performer are experts of understated style, so a delicious mental battle of truth or lie develops. Additional actors take part the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
