Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's bold commentary examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics along with the dreaded aspects of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to hosting a workout series on the small screen. Forced aside due to her deceitful superior Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and terrifying process titled "The Substance". This produces a younger clone named Sue, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This suspenseful mystery stars Knightley playing Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from reporting on international wars to embark on a high-end voyage alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her spouse, and other affluent passengers. However when an enigmatic female goes overboard one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, Netflix
Presence
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this innovative supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of a ghost. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, with a twist you might not see coming. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame via this meta comedy caper. He portrays a self-obsessed celebrity playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's unconventional method is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
The director's locked-room horror stands strong despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has made the local kids frightened. When Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a dungeon, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone on the wall keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in this director's brilliantly over-the-top biopic regarding the shamed televangelist and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye begin profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict the real-life figure with compassion. Next Tuesday, early morning, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker is a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a traitor inside the organization out of five possibilities – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of deception or honesty takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
