Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching critique examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of growing older. Hollywood star Demi Moore presents a brilliant portrayal playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into hosting a workout series on TV. Forced aside by her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome treatment known as "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, resulting in a progressively toxic connection among both women. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful thriller features the talented actress in the role of Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from reporting on global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and donor, her spouse, plus additional affluent guests. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills awaken. Out now, the Netflix platform
This Supernatural Story
The acclaimed director tests his film-making abilities with this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of a ghost. When a household including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the lens – AKA the Presence – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the ghostly being, and the entity appears defensive toward her. But why? This is an entertaining concept that avoids overstaying, including a revelation you might not see coming. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage embraces his unique fame via this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who accepts a million-dollar gig to attend a festive event in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi Gutierrez. Contacted by government spies to gather intel on the potential kingpin, Cage's unconventional method comes in handy. Saturday 11 October, evening, the Channel 4 network
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple disappearances has rendered the local kids on edge. After Finney gets captured by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with eerie communicators providing assistance, while the intuitive nightmares from his sibling Gwen may be his salvation. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between spirituality and money, the winner is obvious for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation of the disgraced TV preacher and her criminal husband. Garfield portrays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about monetising the people's Christian beliefs. It's a riot of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, yet the lead actress achieves to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
Black Bag
The current week's second offering from Steven Soderbergh delivers a intelligence thriller as precise as the polo necks sported by the actor's British agent. He is tasked with uncovering a traitor among the team from five suspects – one of whom is his own wife. Each performer are masters of calm composure, leading to a delightful mind game of truth or lie unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the intelligent intelligence fun. This Friday, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
