Top Selection
The Substance Film
Director Coralie Fargeat's bold commentary addresses the tyranny of women's appearance along with the dreaded aspects of growing older. The veteran actress delivers a masterful acting turn as Elisabeth, a 50-year-old celebrity demoted to starring in a workout series on TV. Forced aside due to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she turns to a secretive and terrifying treatment known as "The Substance". This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic between the two. Friday 17 October, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful mystery features the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who decides to take a hiatus from writing about global conflict to embark on a high-end voyage with an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her husband, and other filthy rich passengers. Yet once a mysterious woman disappears from the ship during the evening and everyone denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence
The acclaimed director pushes his directorial skills in this innovative paranormal narrative filmed completely from the viewpoint of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their fresh home, the camera – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of conscious of the supernatural presence, and the entity appears guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that may be unexpected. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
This Self-Referential Film
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his eccentric image in this self-referential adventure. He portrays a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a festive event at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy superfan Javi. Recruited by the intelligence agency to investigate the potential kingpin, the actor's unique performing skills proves useful. This Saturday, prime time, Channel 4
The Black Phone Horror
Derrickson's locked-room horror remains effective despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has made the children anxious. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and held captive in a basement, he fears a fatal end. Yet the old telephone mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices giving advice, while the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. This Saturday, 10.50pm, the Film4 channel
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the conflict between faith and wealth, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic regarding the shamed televangelist and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield acts as the greedy Jim, who declares at the beginning, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, excessive cosmetics and insincerity, yet the lead actress succeeds to present the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, Film4
The Spy Mystery
This week's another release from Steven Soderbergh is a spy mystery as sharp as the polo necks worn by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He is tasked to identify a mole within their ranks from a group of five – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of calm composure, leading to a delightful mental battle of deception or honesty develops. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. This Friday, multiple time slots, Sky Cinema
