Top Selection
The Substance
Director Coralie Fargeat's daring critique tackles the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the perceived horrors of ageing. The veteran actress delivers an inspired performance playing Elisabeth, an aging actress demoted to presenting a fitness program on television. Pushed out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying procedure titled the Substance. This generates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, leading to an increasingly toxic connection between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story includes Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for some time off from reporting on world issues to embark on a luxury cruise with a gravely sick wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, as well as other affluent passengers. Yet once an enigmatic female goes overboard overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, on Netflix
Presence Film
The acclaimed director tests his creative boundaries with this nifty supernatural story shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe occupies their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, with a twist you might not see coming. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image through this self-referential adventure. He plays an egotistical Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who takes on a $1m payday to attend a birthday party in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, evening, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective despite the lack of a continuation. Located in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has made the local kids on edge. When Finney is taken by the villain and locked up in a basement, he anticipates a fatal end. However, the old telephone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, 10.50pm, Film4
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's brilliantly over-the-top film adaptation of the disgraced televangelist and her felon spouse. Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals commence monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of poor styling, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however Chastain manages to show the character as a sympathetic figure. Next Tuesday, late night, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's additional entry by the same director is a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor within their ranks from a group of five – including is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are experts of understated style, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie develops. Additional actors participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
