Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a masterful performance as Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to presenting a workout series on television. Forced aside by her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying procedure titled "The Substance". This generates a younger clone called Sue, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller features the talented actress playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for a break from reporting on international wars to board a high-end voyage accompanied by a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her partner, as well as other filthy rich individuals. But after an unknown lady falls into the sea overnight and all passengers insists she wasn't real, her journalistic curiosity take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his creative boundaries through this nifty supernatural story captured wholly from the viewpoint of the spirit. When a household with Lucy Liu as Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. Yet what is the reason? The premise is enjoyable that remains concise, featuring a surprise you might not see coming. This Saturday, multiple showings, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his cult stardom in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration at a Mediterranean location for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has left the local kids anxious. Once Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a dungeon, he anticipates the worst. Yet the non-functional line mounted nearby continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the battle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation about the fallen religious broadcaster and her felon spouse. The actor portrays the greedy Jim, who declares early on, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple begin monetising the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet the lead actress manages to present the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's second offering by the same director delivers a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks sported by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to identify a double agent inside the organization from a group of five – including is his spouse. Each performer are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast join in the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
