Top Selection
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary addresses the oppressive nature of women's appearance as well as the feared consequences of advancing years. The veteran actress presents a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, an aging film star reduced to hosting a fitness program on TV. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome treatment titled this experimental method. This creates a younger clone called Sue, leading to a progressively vampiric relationship among both women. Friday 17 October, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This classic whodunit mystery features Keira Knightley playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from writing about global conflict to join a luxury cruise accompanied by an ailing Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills take over. Available now, on Netflix
This Supernatural Story
Soderbergh pushes his directorial skills with this innovative supernatural story filmed completely from the perspective of the spirit. After a clan including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their recent residence, the filming device – as the unseen entity – tracks their movements. The teen shows signs of aware of the poltergeist, and the entity appears guarding her. Yet what is the reason? It's a fun idea that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. Saturday 11 October, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor fully commits to his eccentric image in this meta comedy caper. He portrays an egotistical film star playing himself who agrees to a lucrative offer to appear at a celebration on the Spanish island for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the CIA to investigate the suspected cartel boss, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
The director's contained scarefest remains effective without requiring a sequel. Set in 1970s Colorado, a series of kidnappings has left the children frightened. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and locked up in a cellar, he anticipates the worst. However, the disconnected phone in the room keeps ringing, with spooky callers giving advice, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen may be his salvation. A genuinely scary movie. This Saturday, 10.50pm, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, the victory is clear for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish biopic regarding the shamed televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield plays the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. The couple begin monetising the people's religious faith. It's an extravaganza of tacky decor, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain succeeds to show the real-life figure in a likable light. Next Tuesday, late night, Film4
This Espionage Thriller
The current week's second offering from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as precise as the polo necks worn by Fassbender's UK spy. He receives a mission to discover a double agent among the team from five suspects – among them is his spouse. Each performer are experts of calm composure, so a delicious mental battle of fact versus fiction takes place. Additional actors participate the clever spy entertainment. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema
