Top Selection
The Substance
The filmmaker's unflinching critique addresses the demanding standards for female beauty and the feared consequences of advancing years. Demi Moore presents an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to starring in a workout series on the small screen. Pushed out by her deceitful superior Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying process known as the Substance. This creates a younger clone named Sue, resulting in a steadily more toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a break from covering international wars to join a luxury cruise with an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her spouse, as well as other filthy rich guests. But after an unknown lady disappears from the ship overnight and the entire crew denies she ever existed, Laura's investigative instincts take over. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this innovative ghostly tale shot entirely through the eyes of a ghost. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. However, the motive remains? This is an entertaining concept that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
Cage embraces his unique fame via this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic film star named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a lucrative offer to visit a festive event in Mallorca for the rich Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Hired by government spies to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his unique performing skills is put to the test. This Saturday, prime time, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several child abductions has left the youth on edge. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he fears a terrible outcome. 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 solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the conflict between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for greed in Michael Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic of the disgraced religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the venal Jim, who proclaims at the beginning, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, 1.15am, the Film4 channel
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh delivers a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked to identify a double agent within their ranks from five suspects – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of understated style, resulting in an engaging mind game of deception or honesty unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
