Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold critique examines the demanding standards for feminine aesthetics and the dreaded aspects of ageing. Hollywood star Demi Moore offers an inspired acting turn in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity demoted to starring in an aerobics show on the small screen. Forced aside by her deceitful superior Harvey, she seeks out an enigmatic and horrifying treatment known as the Substance. This produces a new version of herself called Sue, leading to an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller includes Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who opts for some time off from writing about world issues to embark on an opulent ship alongside an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and donor, her spouse, plus additional filthy rich guests. However when an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and everyone insists she wasn't real, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Out now, on Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his creative boundaries with this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. After a clan with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – representing the ghost – follows them around. The teen shows signs of aware of the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation you might not see coming. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical Hollywood actor called Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a festive event on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, 9pm, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller remains effective despite the lack of a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, multiple kidnappings has rendered the local kids anxious. After Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and imprisoned in a dungeon, he fears a fatal end. But the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, and the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A solid creepfest. This Saturday, nighttime, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between spirituality and money, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin monetising the nation's Christian beliefs. It's an extravaganza of bad interior design, bad makeup and bad faith, though the lead actress achieves to show the character with compassion. October 14th, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks used by the actor's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a double agent inside the organization from five suspects – among them is his spouse. Both actors are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful psychological game of truth or lie unfolds. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
