Top Selection
The Substance
Coralie Fargeat's daring commentary tackles the tyranny of women's appearance and the dreaded aspects of ageing. The veteran actress offers an inspired portrayal playing Elisabeth, a mature film star demoted to presenting a fitness program on TV. Pushed out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she seeks out a secretive and gruesome treatment called "The Substance". This creates a younger clone portrayed by Margaret Qualley, culminating in an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story stars the talented actress playing Laura, a top-notch writer who takes a hiatus from writing about international wars to join a luxury cruise alongside an ailing wealthy inheritor and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional affluent guests. Yet once an enigmatic female disappears from the ship one night and the entire crew claims she was never there, Laura's investigative instincts awaken. Streaming currently, Netflix
Presence
Soderbergh tests his film-making abilities with this innovative paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and troubled teenage daughter Chloe occupies their new suburban house, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. Chloe seems conscious of the poltergeist, and it seems protective of her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
The iconic actor wholeheartedly adopts his cult stardom through this self-referential adventure. He plays a self-obsessed film star called Nicolas Cage who accepts a lucrative offer to attend a celebration on the Spanish island for the rich Javi Gutierrez. Hired by the intelligence agency to spy on the potential kingpin, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. This Saturday, 9pm, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a sequel. Taking place in 1970s Colorado, several kidnappings has made the children frightened. When Finney gets captured by the villain and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. But the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with eerie communicators giving advice, while the prophetic visions from his sibling Gwen might rescue him. A solid creepfest. Saturday 11 October, late evening, on Film4
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between faith and wealth, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky film adaptation about the fallen TV preacher and her felon spouse. Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who declares initially, claiming divine approval for wealth. He and Tammy Faye commence capitalizing on the nation's Christian beliefs. It's a spectacle of tacky decor, bad makeup and hypocrisy, yet Jessica Chastain manages to present the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, 1.15am, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's another release from Steven Soderbergh presents a espionage tale as tight as the polo necks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. His assignment is to identify a mole within their ranks from five suspects – one of whom is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. The two stars are masters of deadpan cool, so a delicious mind game of fact versus fiction takes place. Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris and Marisa Abela participate the intelligent intelligence fun. October 17th, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
