Top Selection
This Satirical Thriller
The filmmaker's daring satire examines the tyranny of feminine aesthetics along with the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore offers an inspired portrayal in the role of Elisabeth, an aging celebrity reduced to starring in a fitness program on TV. Edged out thanks to her unscrupulous employer Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and horrifying process called the Substance. This creates a new version of herself named Sue, resulting in a progressively toxic connection between the two. Friday 17 October, Paramount+
The Woman in Cabin 10 Film
This Agatha Christie-esque mystery stars Keira Knightley as Laura, an ace reporter who takes a hiatus from covering global conflict to embark on an opulent ship alongside an ailing Norwegian shipping heiress and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional extremely wealthy individuals. However when a mysterious woman falls into the sea overnight and everyone insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his creative boundaries in this nifty supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of the phantom. As a family including mother Rebekah plus Callina Liang as Chloe occupies their recent residence, the lens – as the unseen entity – shadows their actions. The daughter appears aware of the ghostly being, and it seems protective of her. But why? It's a fun idea that remains concise, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. Saturday 11 October, afternoon and evening times, the Sky channel
Nicolas Cage's Meta Comedy
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He acts as a narcissistic Hollywood actor playing himself who agrees to a $1m payday to attend a birthday party on the Spanish island for the rich superfan Javi. Recruited by government spies to gather intel on the suspected cartel boss, Cage's “nouveau shamanic acting ability” proves useful. Saturday 11 October, prime time, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well without requiring a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, a series of child abductions has rendered the youth frightened. After Finney is taken by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a basement, he dreads a terrible outcome. However, the non-functional line mounted nearby keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, and the prescient dreams from his sibling Gwen could save him. A solid creepfest. October 11th, nighttime, on Film4
The Tammy Faye Biopic
In the struggle between God and Mammon, the winner is obvious for Mammon in Showalter's wonderfully garish film adaptation about the fallen televangelist plus her lawbreaking partner. The actor portrays the corrupt Bakker, who declares at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. He and Tammy Faye set about profiting from the nation's spiritual convictions. It's a riot of tacky decor, bad makeup and bad faith, though Chastain manages to present the real-life figure with compassion. October 14th, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
The current week's additional entry by the same director is a spy mystery as tight like the turtlenecks used by the actor's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a mole among the team out of five possibilities – one of whom is his spouse. Each performer are masters of understated style, 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. This Friday, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
