Top Selection
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold commentary tackles the tyranny of feminine aesthetics as well as the perceived horrors of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to starring in a workout series on TV. Forced aside by her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and terrifying process called the Substance. This produces a younger clone called Sue, resulting in an increasingly vampiric relationship between them. This Friday, the streaming service Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This suspenseful mystery stars the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who opts for a break from covering world issues to embark on a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her spouse, and other extremely wealthy guests. However when a mysterious woman goes overboard during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity awaken. Streaming currently, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills through this clever supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. After a clan featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their new suburban house, the filming device – AKA the Presence – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the poltergeist, and the entity appears protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that doesn't outstay its welcome, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
The iconic actor embraces his unique fame in this meta comedy caper. He plays a self-obsessed Hollywood actor named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to appear at a birthday party on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by government spies to spy on the alleged criminal, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” comes in handy. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's claustrophobic thriller holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Located in 1978 Denver, multiple child abductions has made the children frightened. When Finney is taken by the villain and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the old telephone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers providing assistance, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. October 11th, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the battle between spirituality and money, the victory is clear for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the greedy Jim, who declares initially, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the people's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and bad faith, though Jessica Chastain manages to present the real-life figure in a likable light. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
Black Bag
This week's second offering by the same director presents a espionage tale as sharp as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission with uncovering a traitor within their ranks out of five possibilities – among them is his own wife. Both actors are experts of deadpan cool, leading to a delightful mind game of fact versus fiction unfolds. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela join in the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, multiple time slots, the Sky channel
