Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's daring satire addresses the tyranny of women's appearance along with the feared consequences of advancing years. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to starring in a workout series on TV. Forced aside due to her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and horrifying treatment titled the Substance. This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between the two. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story features the talented actress playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from covering world issues to board a luxury cruise alongside a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other affluent passengers. But after an enigmatic female disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director challenges his creative boundaries with this clever supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears aware of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to visit a birthday party at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has rendered the youth anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prophetic visions of Gwen, his sister could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the conflict between God and Mammon, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top true story of the disgraced religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye commence profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and insincerity, yet the lead actress achieves to show Tammy Faye in a likable light. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, Film4
Black Bag
This period's additional entry from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as precise like the turtlenecks sported by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to discover a traitor inside the organization from a group of five – one of whom is his own wife. Both actors are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
