Top Selection
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary tackles the tyranny of female beauty along with the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a masterful portrayal as Elisabeth, a mature celebrity forced into starring in a workout series on TV. Edged out by her deceitful superior her manager Harvey, she turns to a mysterious and terrifying process called the Substance. This creates a younger clone called Sue, culminating in a progressively parasitic dynamic between them. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit thriller includes Knightley as Laura, a skilled journalist who decides to take a hiatus from covering global conflict to embark on a luxury cruise alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and donor, her husband, plus additional affluent passengers. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard during the evening and the entire crew claims she was never there, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills with this clever supernatural story filmed completely through the eyes of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems sensing the ghostly being, and it looks like guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that could catch you off guard. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Nicolas Cage wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity playing himself who takes on a lucrative offer to attend a festive event in Mallorca for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the intelligence agency to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unique performing skills comes in handy. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a follow-up. Located in the late 70s in Denver, several disappearances has made the children anxious. Once Finney is kidnapped by the kidnapper and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. But the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, nighttime, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in this director's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed religious broadcaster and her criminal husband. The actor plays the venal Jim, who declares early on, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals begin monetising the people's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of bad interior design, excessive cosmetics and bad faith, however the lead actress manages to show the character in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a mole among the team from a group of five – among them is his spouse. The two stars excel of calm composure, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela take part the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema Premiere
