Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the tyranny of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to presenting a fitness program on television. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying treatment titled "The Substance". This generates a youthful duplicate named Sue, leading to a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who decides to take some time off from writing about global conflict to join a luxury cruise accompanied by a terminally ill wealthy inheritor and philanthropist, her husband, and other filthy rich passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director challenges his film-making abilities through this nifty ghostly tale filmed completely through the eyes of the phantom. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe moves into their fresh home, the filming device – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage fully commits to his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical celebrity called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a $1m payday to appear at a festive event on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Contacted by the intelligence agency to spy on the suspected cartel boss, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone Horror
The director's claustrophobic thriller stands strong despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in 1978 Denver, a series of kidnappings has left the youth on edge. After Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone in the room repeatedly calls, with ghostly voices providing assistance, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for greed in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye commence monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and hypocrisy, though Chastain manages to show the character with compassion. October 14th, 1.15am, on Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh presents a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a mole inside the organization out of five possibilities – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors excel of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the smart espionage amusement. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema
