Top Selection
The Substance Film
The filmmaker's bold commentary examines the demanding standards for female beauty along with the feared consequences of ageing. Demi Moore offers a masterful performance playing Elisabeth, a 50-year-old film star forced into starring in an aerobics show on television. Pushed out due to her slimy boss her manager Harvey, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying procedure known as "The Substance". This produces a youthful duplicate named Sue, culminating in a steadily more vampiric relationship between them. October 17th, the streaming service Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This suspenseful story stars Keira Knightley as Laura, a top-notch writer who takes some time off from writing about international wars to join a high-end voyage alongside a gravely sick Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, and other affluent guests. Yet once an enigmatic female falls into the sea during the evening and all passengers denies she ever existed, her journalistic curiosity kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Soderbergh challenges his film-making abilities in this clever supernatural story captured wholly from the perspective of the phantom. When a household featuring mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe settles into their fresh home, the lens – representing the ghost – shadows their actions. The teen shows signs of aware of the supernatural presence, and it looks like guarding her. However, the motive remains? The premise is enjoyable that avoids overstaying, including a revelation that may be unexpected. October 11th, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Nicolas Cage fully commits to his unique fame in this self-referential adventure. He acts as an egotistical film star playing himself who accepts a $1m payday to appear at a celebration at a Mediterranean location for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Recruited by the CIA to gather intel on the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. October 11th, evening, on Channel 4
The Black Phone
The director's claustrophobic thriller remains effective even without a sequel. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has left the local kids anxious. When Finney is kidnapped by “the Grabber” and imprisoned in a cellar, he anticipates a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone mounted nearby continues to ring, with spooky callers giving advice, as the prescient dreams of his sister Gwen could save him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for materialism in Showalter's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed TV preacher and her felon spouse. The actor acts as the corrupt Bakker, who proclaims at the beginning, asserting religious justification for riches. Both individuals set about monetising the American public's religious faith. It's a riot of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet Jessica Chastain achieves to present Tammy Faye as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
This Espionage Thriller
This period's second offering from the filmmaker is a spy mystery as sharp like the turtlenecks worn by Michael Fassbender's intelligence officer. He is tasked to identify a double agent among the team from five suspects – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Each performer are masters of deadpan cool, resulting in an engaging mental battle of fact versus fiction unfolds. Additional actors take part the intelligent intelligence fun. Friday 17 October, 8.05am, 12.55pm, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
